Robert Hodgell: Master linocut artist of biblical stories

Robert Hodgell is one of the most remarkable printmakers of the 20th century. This exhibition, Robert Hodgell: Master linocut artist of biblical stories with 19 linocuts, hopes to acquaint the public with this extraordinary body of sacred art from this American artist. His art challenges viewers to consider the breadth and depth of what it means to embrace faith, even when the topics are challenging.

He has given us many dramatic linocuts of Old Testament characters such as Jonah being cast from the boat during a tumultuous storm, the Psalm Singer exuberantly dancing, and Daniel in the Lion’s Den crushed between two huge, but seemingly docile beasts.

Hodgell depicted Jesus as a strong rugged man, not a wimpy and weak character. His stylized take on Jesus healing the blind and the command for Zaccheaus to come down from the sycamore tree offer us expressive interpretations of these cherished stories from the life of Jesus.

He is known for his many Prodigal Son images, two of which are included in this show. His Return of the Prodigal shows the son literally smothered and melted into the arms of his loving father.

Hodgell’s visceral images of the Passion challenge the viewer to see anew the horrendous events surrounding the Crucifixion. Each expressive interpretation, the twisted and exaggerated body of Christ under the pain of his death, conveys the emotional duress and bring us personally to the events surrounding the Crucifixion.

Doug McMahon, director of Spiritual Life at Eckerd said, “I think that some people would think that religious works typically only represent piety or comforting images and Robert Hodgell, I think, often picks up the more prophetic side of religious life.

His linocuts are infused with wit and satire as demonstrated in his Social/Satire Series, none more poignantly than his Sermon, where the preacher has streams of words, words, words issuing from his mouth as he stands preaching from the pulpit.

“Hodgell's depictions invite a contemplation on the importance of not just seeking comfort and deliverance in prayer, but also confronting and understanding the sacrifices and hardships that are crucial in the Christian faith.” (The Current, Echerd College  Dec 14, 2014).

Born in 1922 to a Kansas minister, he became a painter, etcher, illustrator of religious art. He studied at the University of Wisconsin, Dartmouth College, and the State University of Iowa. From 1961 -1977 he became the resident artist and developed the art department at Eckerd College in Florida. His works are owned by numerous museums including, Ringling Museum of Art and the Library of Congress.