WHO IS GOD? FEATURED ARTIST

“Saint John of God During His Madness: Anxiety and Compassion” (diptych) Milo Duke oil on canvas

Milo Duke will be the featured artist in the GRETCHEN BRIGHAM GALLERY this Saturday, October 26, from noon - 3 p.m. Three of Duke’s paintings are included in the WHO IS GOD? exhibition, which runs through December 1. The diptych, “Saint John of God During His Madness: Anxiety and Compassion,“ oil on canvas, and “Saint Alexander on the Eve of the First Decimation,” oil on canvas, are large, narrative paintings that depict two historic figures in an intensely realistic fashion.

In his artist statement, Duke says, “the diptych “Saint John of God During His Madness: Anxiety and Compassion” depicts the saint undergoing a spiritual transformation. He was a sixteenth century mercenary soldier turned bookseller who, after hearing a sermon by Saint John of Avila, had been drive ‘mad’ with remorse and was institutionalized in an asylum. I show him contemplating his mortality and his immortal soul while restrained in the asylum and surrounded by symbols, perhaps imaginary, of ‘vanitas,’ worldly distraction and intellectual confusion. His self-effected ‘cure’ was accomplished by realizing that God was a compassionate and loving god who would forgive the sins of the truly repentant and aid in the salvation of those who expressed His love and compassion. Thus transformed, Saint John spent the remainder of his life giving comfort to the poor, destitute and insane on the streets of Lisbon. For John, God was the infinite love and compassion that could be brought into the world through the behavior of those who believed in Him. This is the theme of my paintings; God is, and is known by, the actions of human beings motivated by faith.”

These three paintings are from an extensive series of paintings of saints. The series was begun 15 years ago when he realized while teaching figure drawing at the Gage Academy that the Western tradition of figural art had originated to tell the story of Christianity and that was still its highest purpose. 

Duke chooses to paint saints that somehow resonate with his spirit and interests; for instance, Saint John of God is the patron of booksellers and Duke makes and sells books. The son of an Air Force officer (he was born in a barracks), Duke also has a fondness for military saints, such as Saint Alexander.

Following the traditions that began hundreds of years ago, Duke includes the characteristic details of the saint's stories in his paintings, which increases their interest. His saint paintings have toured the nation in a traveling exhibition, been blessed by a Papal Nuncio, and have been featured in national and international publications.

Duke moved from Seattle to Saint Louis in 2017. He has shown his work in galleries and museums throughout the United States (including the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute). He works in series and has several different artistic styles. He paints in oil, acrylic and watercolor, is a printmaker and bookmaker and also dabbles in sculpture. For 20 years he taught at the Gage Academy in Seattle, a leading traditional art school, and in his own 54th Street Atelier. 

Since moving to Saint Louis his work has shown in local galleries (including “The League of 32 Signs” show at the Gretchen Brigham Gallery this year), has written articles for “All the Art,” and has instituted regular art shows at the Judson House for the Grand Central Art District's First Friday art walks. 

To learn more about Milo Duke and his art, join us in the Gretchen Brigham Gallery this Saturday, October 26, noon to 3 p.m.