New art exhibit depicts Jesus in unique way

A new art exhibit at BYU-Idaho depicts scenes from the life of Jesus Christ in a whole new way.

It’s by a well-known artist from Argentina, Jorge Cocco Santanjelo, entitled, ” sacred events from the life of christ.” His art work can be found everywhere from Europe to South America to the United States.

Many of his works are featured in the new ” Come Follow Me ” manuals for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What’s different about these works is that he features a religious theme using a unique style of modern art.

“It’s a new style including for myself,” Cocco said. “My goal was to share the message of the gospel in a modern style.”

Cocco feels the modern style allows the viewer a greater opportunity to find a deeper interpretation and meaning in these pieces than in purely realistic work.

Spori Gallery Curator Kyoung DaBell agrees.

” Coco’s art style bridges realistic and modern art style perfectly,” DaBell said.

Cocco says he has felt divine help with these paintings.

” I recognize humbly that things come to me in a way that is not my own intellect,” Cocco said.

The exhibit runs April 5 through May 22 at the Spori Art gallery at BYU-Idaho.

Cocco’s paintings and thoughts are also part of a new book that was just released.

“The Parables of Jesus: Revealing the Plan of Salvation”

by John W. and Jeannie S. Welch (Author), Jorge Cocco Santángelo (Author)