The Sacrificial Truth from the collection of South Carolina Arts Commission

Discovery

J. Scott Goldsmith
The Sacrificial Truth, 1989
acrylic on canvas
48 x 72 in
Signature: titled and numbered on lower left; signed on lower right

Underlying my work is the reminder that man’s basic instincts and emotions are still with us, just as they were thousands of years ago. In the painting, Sacrificial Truth, the chicken becomes a basic symbol for our survival. There seems to be a realization that through the death of the chicken comes life to humans. The bigger picture involves the three chairs (Father, Son, Holy Ghost). The chairs outstretched arms lead to an empty bowl inviting us to give them their share of an offering. This reflects man’s need not just of basic surviving (the chicken) but of a greater, much deeper emotional need of religious understanding (the offering).

Collections: South Carolina Arts Commission State Art Collection

See all artwork from South Carolina Arts Commission

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to promote access to the arts and support the cultivation of creativity in South Carolina. We envision a South Carolina where the arts are valued and all people benefit from a variety of creative experiences.

A state agency created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the SCAC works to increase public participation in the arts through grants, direct programs, staff assistance and partnerships in artist development, arts industry, arts learning, creative placemaking, and folklife and traditional arts. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the SCAC is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts, and other sources.

South Carolina Arts Commission

Columbia, South Carolina