The abstract decapitation of Goliath’s massive head—let’s see if you can spot the distinct expressions within this piece. Can you imagine how this sight must have looked? The Philistine camp must have still been in shock—not only had David knocked down Goliath, but he was now fulfilling his second promise by cutting off his head. A young shepherd boy. Feel the essence of the piece as you reflect on how it must have truly been in that moment, and the expressions will begin to reveal themselves to you.
The scene is shown from the perspective of the fallen Goliath, face-first on the ground, looking up from his feet toward David standing over him. From this low angle, we glimpse Goliath’s massive frame and pathetic downfall as his head is swiftly and shamefully decapitated. David pounces on top of him to finish the job—doing exactly what he promised: cutting off his head. Yet even in this moment, we notice Goliath’s distinct features—his strong proportions and heavy armor—up close. Despite all of that, David remains unfazed. He confidently grabs Goliath’s heavy helmet with full force, ignoring the physical intimidation and fully trusting in God. He sees something deeper—something unfolding in the spiritual realm.
This scene captures the intense facial expression during David’s swing of the sling—a single frame frozen in time, highlighting the motion of his movement. With his heart pounding and his face set in determination, he sees the challenge before him. Nervously, yet confidently, he does what he knows best: trusts in God and applies his training—a recipe that cannot falter. As he winds up the swing with full intensity, the moment is charged with purpose and unwavering faith.
KINGDOM
1 Samuel 17:50-53
Oil on canvas, 18 x 12 in
The David and Goliath Kingdom Series is an accumulation of five paintings that serve as key visual anchors of the story. Each 18 x 24 inch oil painting is layered over the previous one, forming a new composition. These frames are not simply sequential scenes; they are pivotal moments that rewind, overlap, and remix. Each image holds intense significance, allowing the viewer to pause and experience the frame as a standalone piece of art.
Cullins presents the David and Goliath narrative in an abstract, conceptual style, using layered techniques to animate the moment David defeats Goliath with a slingshot and ultimately decapitates him. Rather than relying on traditional realism, the animation blends abstraction, cubism, impressionism, and symbolic gestures to offer an immersive retelling. The goal is not a seamless cinematic transition but a complex perspective—one that reflects history while capturing faint, layered imagery.
David’s face and determination, combined with his quick, almost instantaneous actions, reveal the deep emotion of the uncomfortable moments before, during, and after the act of faith in God. Faces and forms draw the viewer in before fading away. Expressive movements and dynamic compositions bring the characters to life, engaging viewers both emotionally and intellectually.
It’s purposefully difficult to capture an exact version of the familiar story. After a rewatch, subtle nuances emerge: David’s wounded expressions, Goliath’s fall, and his appearance transitioning from almost human to a demonic, spirit-like realm—what David is actually targeting and sees. Designed for an audience with knowledge of biblical and art history, this animation honors the story’s depth while offering a new, layered experience.
David’s expression is stern, his movements precise. With unwavering focus, he prepares to sever Goliath’s head. Just because the giant has fallen doesn’t mean the fight is over—David acts without hesitation, fulfilling his words with determination. There is no arrogance, only obedience—he is a soldier of God. Blood spills from Goliath’s neck, dripping onto David’s hand, sealing the victory.
A young David, in full-body composition, is captured in motion—throwing everything into his swing, using his whole body in the thrust. His red, ruddy face and angry expression reveal his mindset: how dare anyone defile the army of the Lord? For that, there will be consequences. It is Goliath’s downfall for attempting to look down on him.
The development of Goliath’s face and helmet shows what his human features might have looked like at first. But in the animation, his face gradually turns demonic—revealing what David saw in the spiritual realm, a glimpse of how terrible Goliath’s soul must have appeared, and what David must have been so angry at.
A complex, futuristic blend of abstract colors symbolizes the Goliaths we still face today. They may not appear as mechanical giants, but their presence is undeniable. In battling them, we need the Bible—we need to call on the Lord for wisdom and discernment.
The sun kisses his forehead, offering a glimpse of his essence and of the environment, Israel, as he follows through with his swing.
The impact of the strike erases Goliath’s demonic, fearsome presence, marking the inevitable collapse of evil itself.
A lion-hearted David—his young face soaked in vision, his expression locked in focus as he swings. The African-inspired style, with a lion’s face, represents his fearless spirit.
Ironically, the shape of his shield mirrors Goliath’s head—a visual echo of how the very thing meant for protection becomes meaningless when God’s power is against you. In the end, whatever is used to defy Him will lead to its own downfall.
Goliath’s face takes shape—recognizable yet distorted, a reflection of his downfall.
