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Cheerful

Number 22

Number 22

Materials

Matt print, white frame

Dimensions

Approx. 30x30cm (12x12in)

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Inspiration: Balaam's donkey, obedience, wisdom, humility

Description

In a whimsical and enlightening illustration, the story of Balaam's donkey unfolds with a blend of humor and profound insight. As Balaam, driven by his obstinate will, strikes his loyal companion three times, the donkey emerges as an unexpected voice of reason and wisdom.

Perceiving beyond the mundane, Balaam's donkey saw the angel that blocked his path. Her refusal to move forward and miraculous verbal rebuke, is not just to Balaam, but to all of us. In her challenge, she urges us to shed the veil of obstinacy that often shrouds our perceptions. We must be humble and wise. 

She beckons us to open our eyes, not merely to human understanding, but to the spiritual also. The illustration's whimsy conceals an essential lesson: the capacity to transcend our own limitations, and to humbly heed the insights that life's unexpected messengers provide. Thus, the donkey's vibrant presence reminds us to relinquish stubbornness, embrace humility, and above all, to be aware of what lies just beyond our narrow physical vision.

The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perverse before me.  The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live!"

Numbers 22: 32-33

About the Artists

Cheerful

Cheerful is a Christian collective working in mixed media, largely based in Ireland & the UK. These artists prefer to remain anonymous under the umbrella of the collective name 'Cheerful'. Cheerful produce a large variety of art styles, from traditional fine art to digital multimedia pieces, including projection mapping, AR & VR. This is reflected in their reimagining of many prominent traditional visual art styles, and era's, remixed with more contemporary media, art styles, or using bold interpretations.