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We are pleased to feature images of three stunning pastels from a series by Nicora Gangi entitled Sound of Their Wings. These works were created to capture sounds from the book of Revelation, focusing specifically on Revelation 9:7-9.

Revelation 9:7-9

Sound of Their Wings

Nicora Gangi

Credits:

Curated by:

2011

Pastel on Canvas

Primary Scripture

The shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for war. On their heads were something like golden crowns, and their faces were like people’s faces.
They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like those of lions.
They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. The sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, or of many horses rushing to war.

Revelation 9:7-9

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“My aim in this series of drawings was to capture sound. My reference for this idea came from the paintings by Diego Velázquez ‘Jesus with Martha and Mary’ and ‘Tavern Scene with Christ at Emmaus’. In these two paintings there is evidence of someone listening, in the background and in the foreground.

“I wanted to experiment with capturing sound from the book of Revelation particularly Revelation 9:7-9. In this passage there is mention of the sound of locusts and the sound of the horses. Instead of using locusts I decided to use bees and a beetle. The bees represent diligence and faithful industry while the beetle crawling into the book (or on the fruit) represents evil, always eager to destroy the fruits (apple slices) of the righteous. It represents the silent enemy.

“In the background of the still life is an engraving of an oil painting by Rosa Bonheur called ‘The Horse Fair’ to represent the sound of horses. The books of knowledge, stacked, opened as well as closed, represent God’s letters to us, the means for us to know God, along with the music and two musical instruments, which are the means for worshiping God. The white cloth, continually unrolled in this series, is like the white robe of our righteous LORD, which covers His people.”

-Nicora Gangi

Spark Notes

The Artist's Reflection

Nicora Gangi was educated at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA (BFA 1974 and MFA 1976). She was a Professor of Art at Syracuse University for 29 years. Gangi has been awarded many Grand Prize and First Place awards and grants. She has been and continues to be published in numerous artist’s books on pastel paintings. She has lectured regionally and nationally as a visiting artist at universities and artist’s guilds. She is represented by: Edgewood Gallery (Syracuse, NY), and Gangi Studio (Winter Garden, FL).