Page 9 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 11

Christian Psychology

Thomas Pfeufer is
a self-taught ar- martyr. Another one represents a tsunami, Tho-
tist; professionally, mas names it “Storm of Life”. Biblical events,
he enjoys being a such as the dry bones in Ezekiel, find a place in
cook in a company his art, but lack of communication is also given
kitchen. Thomas an expressive form which calls the observer to
began with art in be authentic.
2001. He created
a small box bored Some make the accusation that his art is scur-
through and torn rilous because he expresses much that is ne-
open by various gative and also often uses dark colours in this.
chisels. It was the beginning of a call. But if one looks more closely and
Challenging people to become aware inquiringly, if one gets genuinely
of suffering, to notice it and not sim- involved, these images reflect part
ply to look away. Everyone wants to of God’s sadness over this world.
be recognised. Everyone wants to be Sadness which carries the beautiful
seen. Everyone needs others so they message that God loves mankind
can truly be and in order to be able to infinitely.
stand up to the suffering in this world. At the same time, this is also the
A person who is not looked at is like answer that Thomas gives. He is
someone bu- entirely able to stand the tension
ried alive. between suffering on one hand and
hope on the other and to let both
The materials used co- of these stand side-by-side. Precisely that hope
ver a wide spectrum. which does not permit despair, but raises awa-
Stones, old doors and reness.
keys, various words,
paints, car tyres, chairs,
canvases,… All these,
and more besides, are
part of his repertoire.
He is very flexible in his use of them, yet he sees
great value in each part of his materials. Rusty
sheet metal is just as valuable in his eyes as gold.
He treats the materials with great honour. If a
work of art is unsuccessful or unpleasing, he
does not throw it away, but makes something
new out of it.
But art wishes to do more than just raise awa-
Themes with which reness, it wishes to strengthen the health of the
he concerns himself soul, to be a way of doing justice to the calling
cover a wide range. of man, the call to live and love! The soul needs
They are usually free space for God, otherwise it withers away.
events where in- And colours! On his personal journey of libera-
justice dominates. tion by art, Thomas discovered how to process
One of his objects is lacquers and foundation layers, which leads to
dedicated to a sin- surprising results: being ground down (by life)
gle person – Aga- creates profile and then, on top of that the co-
tha – who died as a lours of the love of God, uniqueness and beauty.

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