noli me tangere, left side, digital illustration, 2023
Being raised Catholic, a large portion of my childhood was spent looking up at these larger than life depictions of saints.
Mary Magdalene is a woman of repentance, most of her character revolving around finding herself through religion. She devotes herself fully to Jesus, making up for the first part of her life spent in sin.
I used the Golden Legend as inspiration for most of the narrative in these pieces, depicting an angel aiding Mary Magdalene in her salvation after death.
noli me tangere, center, digital illustration, 2023
I am fascinated with the 'noli me tangere', the scene after Jesus's resurrection. Often translated to "touch me not", it is a phrase said to Mary Magdalene when she is visited by the resurrected Jesus. He attempts to comfort her and, upon her reaching out to touch him, he tells her "stop clinging to me".
It's a representation of faith, something I've struggled with my entire life. Reading about a woman finding solace in this incredible notion is difficult to come to terms with.
All I hope is that Mary Magdalene was able to find a place free from struggle, from guilt. I wish her eternal rest.
noli me tangere, right side, digital illustration, 2023
noli me tangere, digital illustration, 2023
