{"id":350191,"date":"2026-07-23T18:34:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T18:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/350191\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T18:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T18:34:09","slug":"artist-depicts-biblical-animals-in-neon-hues-at-mills-gallery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/350191\/","title":{"rendered":"Artist depicts biblical animals in neon hues at Mills Gallery"},"content":{"rendered":"

The paintings by Central Florida artist Xavier Moss<\/a> are layered with animals from scripture depicted in neon colors, personal journeys and even secret messages only revealed by black light.<\/p>\n

Nearly two dozen of these works can be seen in the Lump Gallery of Mills Gallery<\/a> in a solo show, \u201cFlesh & Faith: The Wild Meets the Way<\/a>.\u201d As the winner of the $500 People\u2019s Choice Award in the Winn Win Emerging Artists Exhibition 2025<\/a>, Moss was chosen to come back with a solo show as part of the prize.<\/p>\n

The 22 works in the show range in size from 4-by-4 inches, which took him an hour or two to complete, up to a massive 48-by-60-inch depiction of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit represented as animals. The latter took him 18 months to complete.<\/p>\n

Other works show scenes representing Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, serpents, birds, lambs, frogs and other fauna represented in the Bible. One directly tells the tale of Jonah and the big fish. Each painting somehow incorporates Moss\u2019s personal story, examining the tension between our \u201cuntamed impulses and our search for purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA big part of scripture is the constant struggle with sin and morality. I know I\u2019m created for better, but sometimes I really don\u2019t feel like being better,\u201d he said. \u201cIn this exhibit, I wanted to keep using natural history that pops up in scripture as a means for investigating the journey. It\u2019s definitely autobiographical. In this season of my life, it\u2019s the things that I\u2019m feeling the most.\u201d<\/p>\n

\""Slain"“Slain” is one work by artist Xavier Moss in his first solo show, “Flesh & Faith: The Wild Meets the Way,” at the Mills Gallery in Orlando. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

During the show\u2019s opening night in June, Moss said that attendees went on a scavenger hunt with black lights, looking for messages hidden in invisible ink. While each \u201cdevotional thought\u201d was inspired by his faith, he hopes each piece can spark a conversation among viewers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI definitely want to keep the space of accessibility and curiosity open, no matter what their worldview is. That way these can become spaces for dialogue. In 2026, the capacity to agree to disagree is gone, especially when it comes to faith and morals,\u201d Moss said. \u201cIt can become really easy to become a keyboard warrior and get into your Facebook fisticuffs really quick. I want to use this space as an opportunity to pause, reset and ask what it means to actively listen, not just to clap back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"OneOne painting by artist Xavier Moss depicts the story of Jonah and the big fish in his show, “Flesh & Faith: The Wild Meets the Way,\u201d at the Mills Gallery in Orlando. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Moss said he is thankful for the guidance of the Mills Gallery, including Juan Pablo Santa Luna and curator Ambar Santiago, in putting together his first solo show.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe focused on, \u2018What is the most essentially you and what do you want to say in this particular show?’\u201d Moss said of the curating process. \u201cI\u2019m super blessed and grateful for the opportunity to appear in the Winn Win, to get the cash prize and have the opportunity to show in the Lump Gallery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you go<\/p>\n

\u201cOf Flesh & Faith: The Wild Meets The Way\u201d is on display through Sept. 7 at 1650 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. The gallery is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and by appointment only on Sunday. For more information, visit\u00a0millsgalleryoforlando.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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