Richard Motchman, Death and Resurrection at Xchanges Gallery
November 7-23, 2025. Opening is Friday November 7 at 7:00
Artist Talk is Sunday, November 16, 2:00.
Gallery Hours: Saturday 11:00-4:00 and Sunday 12:00-5:00
November 7-23, 2025. Opening is Friday November 7 at 7:00
Artist Talk is Sunday, November 16, 2:00.
Gallery Hours: Saturday 11:00-4:00 and Sunday 12:00-5:00
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This photo shows Richard Motchman in his studio at Xchanges Gallery - sharing space with the four impressive pillar paintings in his upcoming show. Motchman is a long-standing member of the artist cooperative and has occupied this studio since 1983. “I was 23,” he says, “it was affordable and had a skylight.” In 1982, he graduated from the University of Victoria with a Fine Art degree. Since then, he’s managed to juggle full-time work with family life and a visual art career. Recently retired, he now spends more time with his art practice.
Three of the four pillar paintings in the upcoming show premiered at Christ Church Cathedral during the first week of April, 2023. The three paintings shown were Crucifix Pillar, Mary Pillar and Apostle John Pillar. Over 400 visitors praised the interactive nature of the installation with comments like: “Imaginative, powerful, compelling, speaks to the spirit.” A follower of the Christian faith, Motchman finds the subject matter of crucifixion and resurrection holds special meaning. The miracle of life after death embodied by this story offers a profound sense of hope to believers, he notes. |
Detail: “Mary Pillar”
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Detail: “Crucifix Pillar”
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Detail: “Apostle John Pillar”
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Detail: “Penitent Thief Pillar”
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Motchman recently completed a fourth pillar for the Xchanges show called Penitent Thief Pillar. When he imagines visitors at his Xchanges show, he sees them at play. “Playing” for Motchman means moving around sections of the interactive pillar paintings to achieve different viewpoints. By rotating sections of the four pillars visitors can view 100s of possible combinations. “I want people to have freedom of choice,” he says, “which I value highly.”
Motchman is also a realist painter who questions the accuracy of some of the traditional iconography around the crucifixion. “I wanted to make the imagery more relevant to present day audiences,” he says. His research into Roman times revealed that victims were stripped of clothing prior to crucifixion. Therefore we see a naked Christ, minus the familiar loin cloth. The sagging of a body on the cross caused lungs to constrict and hastened death from asphyxiation. Therefore, Motchman painted his dying Christ gasping for breath.
Motchman is also a realist painter who questions the accuracy of some of the traditional iconography around the crucifixion. “I wanted to make the imagery more relevant to present day audiences,” he says. His research into Roman times revealed that victims were stripped of clothing prior to crucifixion. Therefore we see a naked Christ, minus the familiar loin cloth. The sagging of a body on the cross caused lungs to constrict and hastened death from asphyxiation. Therefore, Motchman painted his dying Christ gasping for breath.
"Penitent Thief Pillar", oil on wood panels, 6ft x 21in x 21in. 2024
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“Crucifix Pillar”, oil on wood panels, 7ft x 21in x 21in. 2019
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“Apostle John Pillar”, oil on wood panels, 6ft x 21in x 21in. 2020
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Some of the figures in the paintings may look familiar, as they are modelled after community members. Motchman describes his paintings as collaborations with his models. He gains their trust and commitment by explaining how they fit into his project goals. Other familiar faces from art historical texts may appear. The artist is an avid reader and the crucifixion is well-documented by past and contemporary artists. You may notice visual references to Rembrandt, Diego Velazquez, Francis Bacon or Marlene Dumas.
"Station 1: Jesus is condemned to death", ink on paper, 7 x 5 in. 2021
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"Station 9: Jesus falls a third time", ink on paper, 7 x 5 in. 2021
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There are 14 drawings in the Stations series and 16 drawings in the Resurrection Cycle. They will cover two walls of the gallery. These detailed drawings reveal his thoughtful renderings of religious texts and historical imagery. “I have reread these biblical passages many times,” he says, “I hope to portray the power these text have for me.”
In Station 9 (Jesus falls for the third time) there is a dense tangle of lines on a compact (7x5 inch) piece of paper. The cacophony of the scene is well-illustrated by the intensely convoluted linework. Regarding process, the artist explains that drawing is meticulous work, so usually divided into 20-minute sessions. After taking a break, he can return to work with a fresh focus.
In Station 9 (Jesus falls for the third time) there is a dense tangle of lines on a compact (7x5 inch) piece of paper. The cacophony of the scene is well-illustrated by the intensely convoluted linework. Regarding process, the artist explains that drawing is meticulous work, so usually divided into 20-minute sessions. After taking a break, he can return to work with a fresh focus.
"John 21:9”, ink on paper, 9 x 10 in. 2025
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"John 20: 14-17”, ink on paper, 11 x 11.5 in. 2025
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The Resurrection Cycle describes events that happened after Jesus, in bodily form, emerged from the tomb. In John 20: 14-17, Mary Magdalene is shocked to see Jesus in the garden and calls out to him. Jesus replies saying: “Touch me not, but go and tell my brothers.” The flowing inkwork on sepia paper captures the mysterious nature of these encounters with indistinct linework and uneven markings. The drawings were partially completed by using small twigs of various sizes as painting tools. “I was seeking a variety of marks and gestures for each image,” he says. “These intuitive implements suited the natural imagery.”
“Durrance Lake” by R.Motchman, oil on wood panel, 36x36 in. 2025
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Detail: “Crucifix Pillar”, shown in rotation.
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The quality and variety of Motchman’s mediums and methods shine in this exhibition. The pillar paintings have a variety of styles: exacting details, exuberant brushwork and confident markmaking. In 2025, Motchman was invited to join the Avenue Gallery and his paintings are delighting collectors. In paintings like Durrance Lake, we view details of the natural world found in a rocky outcrop enlivened with cascading plant life. A colourist, he skillfully defines the gray/blue contours of rock, the verdant green of textured moss and the delicate hues of pastel flower heads.
Motchman used his considerable design and carpentry skills for this project. Each triangular section of the three-dimensional forms is stackable and can be removed. They are held in place by threaded metal rods welded into a metal base plate embedded in wood. Crucifix, his first pillar, was unstable, therefore he re-designed the internal structures. Technical assistance came from a carpenter friend and a local welding company. The project’s development was documented by the artist with photos and drawings which may be on view at the exhibition.
Richard Motchman is an excellent communicator who is happy to share his artistic inspirations, design adventures and commitment to his faith with visitors. Join the artist during gallery hours and be sure to attend his talk on November 16.
Gallery Hours: Saturday 11:00-4:00 and Sunday 12:00-5:00. Artist Talk is Sunday, November 16, 2:00
Xchanges Gallery and Studios, 2333 Government Street, Suite 6E, Victoria, BC, V8T 4P4
Gallery Hours: Saturday 11:00-4:00 and Sunday 12:00-5:00. Artist Talk is Sunday, November 16, 2:00
Xchanges Gallery and Studios, 2333 Government Street, Suite 6E, Victoria, BC, V8T 4P4
Contact: Email: [email protected]; Website Here