KINGDOM
DAVID & GOLIATH
1 Samuel 17:50-53
Oil on canvas, 18 x 12 in
April 2025
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 & GOLIATH
December 2024
This version of David and Goliath serves as an example of my animation approach for audiences who may not be familiar with the story or particularly interested in the artistic style. Instead, it prioritizes accuracy in conveying the essence of the narrative, offering a clear and compelling interpretation of the story.
Laser-Cut Sculpture of David and Goliath
March 25, 2025
March 25, 2025
This piece follows the same format and artistic style as my animated paintings, translating the layered, dynamic approach into a sculptural form.
