“All Are Alike unto God,” Liahona, Aug. 2022, United States and Canada Section.
All Are Alike unto God
Selected artwork from the 12th International Art Competition
In an outpouring of creativity and inspiration, Latter-day Saint artists from all over the world submitted entries to the 12th International Art Competition to express its theme, “All Are Alike unto God” (see 2 Nephi 26:33). One hundred forty-eight pieces were selected to be displayed at the Church History Museum from March 2022 to April 2023.
All the entries are available to view online at history.churchofjesuschrist.org/museum/artcompetition/2022.
A Child’s Prayer, oil on linen. Stacy Weitz Minch, Texas (residing in Utah).
The Family of Man, wood. John Taye, Minnesota (residing in Idaho).
“The various shapes and colors of the wood bottles represent different cultures, races, genders, and ages of man. Although outwardly they appear quite different, they are all fundamentally the same thing. The light-colored wood drapery represents the gospel of Jesus Christ, which unites all of God’s children and helps bring unity and harmony to mortal life.”
All Safely Gathered in Christ, pastel. Julie Rogers, Utah.
“I created this painting specifically to show all women coming to Christ in various stages. … Some are being encouraged to come unto Him, and some are afraid. This painting represents women from all over the world. The center of the painting is a young woman. He is gathering her in His arms by first putting His hand on her head. The young woman represents all of us—it represents you.”
But This Is That Which Was Spoken by the Prophet Joel, acrylic on canvas, chitenge, banana fiber. Joseph Banda, Malawi.
For All His Children, paper. Pamela Salinas, Valparaíso, Chile.
Perfect Imperfections, reclaimed metal. Arūnas Ošlapas, New York (residing in Washington).
Detail from The Others, pen and acrylic on linen. Alyce Bailey, Tasmania, Australia.
“During His mortal and post-mortal ministry, the Saviour often referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd. … He invited all to hear His voice and to come unto Him that He might lead them home safely. … In this work He isn’t alone. All who come unto Him are invited to seek out those who are lost and to gather them into the fold. Regardless of breed, gender, or pedigree, in the eyes of the Good Shepherd … we are all alike and are known, loved, and wanted.”
He That Is without Sin, tufted textile and stones. Mikayla Hearty, Alberta, Canada.
They Are Precious in His Sight, oil, collage on birch panel. Fiona Phillips, Lancashire, England (residing in California).
“My goal in this painting is to show each person as equal and to celebrate their differences in a positive, uplifting way. … My hope is that the viewer will see each person as a distinct and unique individual but also as part of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.”
The House Where the Spirit Was Strong, acrylic. Justin Wheatley, Utah.
I Remember Those Who Are on the Isles of the Sea, mixed media: seashells, driftwood, found objects. Shelby Stroud, Arizona (residing in Illinois).
Diversity, oil. Courtney Vander Veur Matz, Utah.
Celestial Worlds, fabric, embroidery floss. Amy Clements, California (residing in Idaho).
“This art piece is my visual representation of the worlds without number Heavenly Father created, inhabited by His children. … Celestial Worlds was completely hand sewn with embroidery floss and fabric scraps I have collected over the years from friends and families. My worlds aren’t perfectly circular, and my scraps are all different sizes, but so are God’s children.”
Partake of His Goodness, Chinese ink and colors. Julie Yuen Yim, Hong Kong, China.
“I painted the experiences of Christ with a Chinese cultural background, using the Chinese brush-painting method. … For example, the centurion is depicted as a Chinese general. I hope to express the idea that Christ is the same God in every culture and He loves us all, regardless of who we are.”
Not Even a Sparrow, clay. Ryan Moffett, Utah.
“Not Even a Sparrow depicts someone mourning the death of a fallen sparrow, looking heavenward for peace. Comfort comes as the mourning soul feels the healing truth and power of the Spirit—that not even a sparrow will fall without God noticing.”
And He Hath Made of One Blood All Nations of Men, oil on linen. Ashley Henderson Sherwood, North Carolina (residing in Virginia).
“The eggs are representative of all people and nations. Although they are different sizes and colors, they are all eggs, just as we are all God’s children, despite being different in physical appearance. We all receive the light of God’s love, regardless of any differences that we have.”
All Alike?, ink, collage, graphite. Aïsha Lehmann, Utah.
Gathering under His Wings, colored pencil. Melanie Dugan, Washington.
Su Luz sobre Todos, paper. Susana Isabel Silva, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
A Living Entity, fabric, foam, wood. Rachel Henriksen, Utah.
All Are Alike unto God, acrylic on canvas. Valentyna Musiienko, Ukraine (residing in Virginia).
“[This painting] represents Heavenly Father’s equal appreciation of each and every person, together with his or her individual personality. … The two hands framing the feathers symbolize [His] loving care. … The feathers of all different colors, forms, and sizes represent the diversity of human nature, traditions, and cultures.”
To Do His Work, oil on wood panel. Kamette Harmer, Bavaria, Germany (residing in Utah).
“Jesus invites all people, from all over the world, to join Him in His work. We come from various circumstances, cultures, and life experiences and pledge to do His work. We can make our hands His hands.”
Searching, Daybreak, oil. Mark Joslin Davis, Oregon (residing in New York).
Together in Christ, oil. Emma Taylor, Utah (residing in Idaho).
Inviteth Them All, textile. Emma Koepsell, California (residing in Utah).
“Inviteth Them All depicts a neighborhood of homes. … No two are alike, creating a visual representation of each of us. … Compiling fabric for Inviteth Them All was an affirming experience that I will always treasure. … Material came from my mom, aunts, grandmothers, and sisters in my ward. Even new friends, whom I met only once, generously contributed. The variety in style, color, and pattern depicts elements of eternity that can be seen in each of us. Our differences are beautiful and seen with perfect love by our Heavenly Father.”