Paul Hobbs: Unknown martyrs: ‘icons’ of the contemporary persecution of Christians worldwide

Arthobbs, 2021

To those who are not Christians it comes as a surprise that the most persecuted people in the world are Christians.    A report to the US Congress some years ago estimated that 75 per cent of global religious persecution is directed at Christians. Open Doors estimates that one in eight Christians (340 million) are currently under threat of ‘severe persecution’, and nearly 6000 Christians were killed last year just for following Jesus.

Unknown martyrs, the latest work from Christian artist Paul Hobbs, seeks to highlight the real stories behind these terrible statistics, and provoke the question:  What is it about Jesus that people of all nationalities are still willing to sacrifice their freedom and their lives for him?

Unknown martyrs is both a book and an exhibition.   It consists of thirteen images, each focusing on one contemporary martyr: some of these have been in the news, but others are just ‘ordinary’ victims.   Each image is presented like an ‘icon’, since all God’s people are ‘saints’, and the death of any, whether well known or anonymous, is precious in God’s sight.

Each image consists of an outline portrait of the individual, and some words of testimony and a few symbolic items.   Behind the figure is shown the flag of the country to which they belonged.   There is a short accompanying text to tell the story of the martyr, and to explain the meaning of the colours and symbols used in the flag.

The artist uses a deliberately dispassionate tone in the text.  It is for the viewer/reader to ponder the jarring inconsistency between the high-flown sentiments embodied in these symbols of nationhood, and the hideous injustice and violence that is meted out on their Christian subjects.

Each image has then been defaced in a manner similar to the way in which the martyr has been treated:  slashed with a knife, shot with bullets, encased in wire.   Through these wounds in the artwork shines through gold leaf which has been laid on before the image was painted, reminding us of the topsy-turvy values of the kingdom of Jesus.

The book is short, beautifully presented with all the images in colour, and ends with notes on how it can be used meditatively and for prayer.

The exhibition is available at a nominal price to cover the artist’s time and expenses to set it up and take it down.   With good planning and publicity the exhibition promises to be a thought-provoking event to which church members can invite friends and neighbours.    The works are not confrontational or shocking.   But the witness of the martyrs must provoke reflection on why so many people hate Christians, and why, in the face of persecution even to death, Christians cling to Jesus above all things?

For copies of the book (£10, post free), or to enquire about the exhibition, go to www.arthobbs.com.