Duane Andersen (b. 1966)

Duane Andersen’s work combines religious images and modern iconography, often reminiscent of Medieval and Byzantine art. Andersen views the husband and wife in The Hand of God as modern day archetypes. This symbolism creates religious allegories in a contemporary setting. Included are the cliches of suburbia and 1950’s family life, which recur in a number of Andersen’s paintings. The quite literal hand of God above the traditional family seems to suggest a divine protection. Behind the suburban home being blessed, the image of a dark city can be seen as a contrast in values. (Joan Vita Marotta, 2002)