More To The Story: The Black Bible

Dave Staley meets the artist behind the exhibit

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Charlie Newton calls himself a student of painting. He’s had many exhibits over the years. Here in America, in London, in Italy….all over many parts of the world.

Over the last 30 years or so, most of his work has been inspired by the Bible.

And that’s the subject matter of his latest exhibit, which is called “The Black Bible.”

CHARLIE NEWTON, ARTIST;
“I just wanted to show a different and unique viewpoint about the Bible and scripture. It comes from the viewpoint of an African American. I wanted to start a conversation about faith. And how we interpret the scripture.”

Newton says this exhibit, which is now on display at Stove Works, located on 13th Street, is meant to challenge. And start a conversation.
He says he’s not out to re-write the Bible. Just simply consider and reconstruct perceptions. Since much of the Bible comes from a European influence.

“As an African American person, you see that most of the history of the Bible has been misinterpreted in the art work you see. I’m showing Jesus as a Black person. That’s probably closer to the truth. When you read the Bible, we’re probably all people of color.”

Chattanooga is the first stop on Newton’s traveling exhibit. That exhibit is on display Wednesday thru Saturday….running through March the 12th. And yes, all of the paintings are for sale.

Head to Newton’s website for more: Artist Charlie Newton – Southern African American Artist.
Dave Staley, News 12 Now