Max Hunziker

Swiss Graphic Artist Max Hunziker is a Christian Surrealist who combines incongruous visual motifs in revelatory ways with a touch of humor. Consider this direct relief etching of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel is telling the Virgin Mary she has been chosen to be the mother of Christ. Who among us could walk past that teasingly half-opened window and resist the temptation to listen in on the conversation going on outside between the young woman and--can that possibly be--an angel? Judging from the look on her face, she is in a state of shock at what the winged being has to say, earnestly making his case with pointed finger. They are just close enough for us to catch stray words and phrases.  Blessed among women. Conceive in thy wound. Son of the Highest. What's this all about? Why, just the most momentous announcement in history! Don't open the window too far or you might upset the half-full glass precariously placed on the window sill. It's hard to ignore. Could that be red wine? Yes, of course, an image of Holy Communion.  Hunziker includes references to both the Christmas story of the Incarnation and the Easter narrative of Christ's death on the Cross in a single whimsical scene outlining God's Plan of Salvation. (John Kohan)