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Angel
(University of Oregon, 2021-05-16) Amezcua, A. Isabelle
Angels are a common motif in the World, and in the West. Not just in religion (and, by extension, philosophy), but also in art and its myriad expressions. There are many ways to imagine (that is, to make an image of) angels, and their etymology is just as varied. For instance, in the Greek translation of the Hebrew mal’akh, it means “shadow of God,” which sounds a bit ominous. Angels can often be understood as representative of various religions’ ethical principles, a moral symbol par excellence; and yet still others may fall from grace for their transgressions. While they are not always all called “angels,” celestial beings who act as contact points between God(s) and humans appear frequently in many different theologies and mythologies around the world. In the Qur'an, for example, Allah sends angels, who are described as having many pairs of wings, as messengers. The Bible, of course, references various angels as well. There is no one way an angel can be depicted. Fierce, kind, with many wings, or none at all. This particular piece focuses more on the angel’s expression. The expression is aloof. The piece is sketchy, loose, like our translations or ideas of angels.