Immaculate Conception 

Sarah Joncas created this painting, "Immaculate Conception," using oil on panel. It reflects on themes of creation, purity, and intervention in the natural order, all within a contemporary context. The title and the cherubic figures in the background deliberately echo religious iconography. But instead of traditional symbols of holiness, the central figure holds a syringe, suggesting modern methods of creation, such as in-vitro fertilization. This contrast invites us to consider how societal views on life, reproduction, and ethics have changed over time, especially since the rise of scientific intervention in traditionally natural processes. Painted in the 21st century, the artwork exists within ongoing cultural debates about reproductive rights, genetic engineering, and the role of science in shaping human life. By re-framing the "Immaculate Conception" through this lens, Joncas encourages a dialogue about contemporary values and the evolving definition of what it means to create life. Examining scientific literature, philosophical essays, and even popular media can deepen our understanding of the cultural anxieties and aspirations that this painting reflects.