Judas Iscariot betrayed our Lord Jesus for R.3.00 1972

Editor: This is John Muafangejo’s “Judas Iscariot betrayed our Lord Jesus for R3.00”, made in 1972. It’s a powerful woodcut, depicting Judas’s betrayal and its tragic aftermath. The stark contrast and heavy lines create a sense of drama. What do you see in this piece, focusing on the formal aspects? Curator: Indeed. Notice the division of the composition into two distinct panels. On the left, we see Judas's demise rendered with striking graphic quality. Observe the use of stark white lines against the dense black ink; consider how the patterned garments and the starkly drawn foliage contribute to the overall textural complexity. Editor: Yes, the patterned clothing is very interesting. Is the texture perhaps playing a role here? Curator: Precisely. The patterning creates a surface tension that amplifies the emotional impact of the scene. Now, consider the panel on the right – the betrayal itself. The figures are tightly compressed, creating a claustrophobic space. Note also the lines directing the eye, for example toward the kiss. What would you say this adds to the effect? Editor: It adds a sense of unease, like there's no escape for Jesus. The patterns in this area seem much denser and create even more chaos. I’m starting to appreciate how Muafangejo manipulates line and texture to convey emotion. Curator: Precisely. This deliberate orchestration of visual elements reinforces the narrative and imbues the print with its compelling power. Editor: I will definitely look at prints in this way again. It opened my eyes to see it beyond the narrative.