With despotism and domination since before I was conceived The hieroglyphics of hierarchy have bleached your blemishes This morning I woke up with a brush in my hand,ĭetermined to deconstruct the image of a mono-toned man To Janet McKenzie, who is honored to share it here.

Poem was written in 2013 by a very special young woman, Kaeley J. Jesus of the People receives responses from people all over the world. The worldwide welcoming celebration of this interpretation of Jesus and the gratitude expressed to her, as well as the onslaught of negative responses, affirm her belief that this work, this particular vision of Jesus, was meant to exist now. She hoped 'Jesus of the People' might remind that we all are created in God's likeness. Her goal was to create a work of art in keeping with her beliefs as a person and artist, and inclusive of groups previously uncelebrated in His image especially African Americans and women. Ms McKenzie's position as winner has been life-altering as well as humbling. Over His white robe He draws the darkness of our lack of love, holding it to Himself, prepared to transform all sorrows if we will let Him.'

In the words of Sister Wendy, 'This is a haunting image of a peasant Jesus - dark, thick-lipped, looking out on us with ineffable dignity, with sadness but with confidence. Late in 1999 Janet McKenzie's painting 'Jesus of the People' was selected winner of the National Catholic Reporter's competition for a new image of Jesus by judge, Sister Wendy Beckett, host of the PBS show 'Sister Wendy's Story of Painting'.

Janet jaime iconographer