One of my favorite paintings is one I did back in 2000 after I had a thought about the meaning of “the truth” and how people have a tendency to perceive that we own the truth.

The Truth - a painting by Ralph Perrine

The Truth  2000, Acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40 inches, Private Collection

 

In this scene, different groups of disciples seek to understand and comprehend the flower of truth. But their leaders guide them to draw one petal as if it were the entire flower. Predictably, squabbles erupt over whose renditions better represent the truth. In the distance a ladder offers a full view, but no one climbs it.

Exhibited at the September 2002 Art Show: The Sacred and the Profane, Honolulu, Gallery on the Pali.