Xavier Home
Mission and Identity
Buildings, Statues, and Beauty
ADSUM: Contemporary Paintings on Ignatian Spirituality

ADSUM: Contemporary Paintings on Ignatian Spirituality

Quick Facts

Artist: Holly Schapker, a 1992 Xavier art graduate, created the collection of paintings titled
Adsum, Latin for "Here I Am," which depicts the life of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Location: The Center for Mission and Identity in Justice Hall

A statement from the artist:

"On the night Gabriel visited Mary, as the biblical story goes, he asked her to bear a child who would be called Emmanuel, a name that means: 'God is with us.' Perhaps there was a pause until she answered, 'Adsum' which is the Latin expression for, 'I am here.' Not a word easily translated into the English language, 'Adsum' means being in a state of mind where the person is completely available and willing to serve God. St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises allowed me to approach this state in my painting studio and outside of it. The body of work contained in this exhibition is derived from my interpretation of St. Ignatius' life, mission, and Spiritual Exercises. I present this work as a woman on her own pilgramage to spiritual understanding in the tradition of the Jesuits."

- Holly Schapker

Holy Schapker '92 receives Presidential Citation

In recognition of her dedication to the mission of the University, the Jesuit network, and the Christian community through her artistic talents and educational services, including gifting her Adsum: Contemporary Paintings on Ignatian Spirituality to the Center for Mission and Identity. Xavier University is proud and honored to present you with a Presidential Citation on this day, Monday, April 11, 2016.

ADSUM ARTWORK COLLECTION

Self Portrait

Oil, dirt, leaf, and twigs on canvas

11" x 14"

Eye Slits Landscape

Oil on canvas

72" x 42"

Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises look to a transformation of consciousness, and the freedom that comes with it, to move beyond the constraints of vision imposed by the limited atmosphere of society.

Serpent-like Creature

Oil on canvas

24" x 48"

One of Ignatius Loyola's spiritual visions was a serpent-like creature that assisted him in forming his rules for discernment of spirits.

Donkey

Oil and maps on canvas

36" x 60"

On his way to Montserrat Ignatius did not know which path to take. He allowed the donkey to decide, symbolizing the relinquishment of his own self-will.

Ignatius Portrait

Oil and maps on canvas

40" x 60"

The contemporary maps embedded in Ignatius' garment represent his close relationship with "Our Lady of Our Way." It also represents the worldwide mission work of the Jesuits and the contemporary relevance of his story.

Black Madonna of Montserrat

Oil on canvas

36" x 60"

St. Ignatius of Loyola, taking a leap of faith, laid his sword at the foot of the statue of the Black Madonna of Montserrat.

Fruit Tree/Tree of Life

Oil on canvas

36" x 36"

The tree of free choice -and responsibility- becomes clear when realizing the extent of God's love for us.

Sword

Oil on wood

60" x 7"

The sword that Ignatius laid down at the foot of the Black Madonna.

Shoes

Oil and maps on canvas

40" x 40"

Ignatius Loyola looked to the stars for inspiration throughout his life, yet he remained grounded walking the earth one step at a time. He was a pilgrim who mapped a path to God.

Montserrat Landscape

Oil and maps on canvas

72" x 50"

In Montserrat, Ignatius Loyola pondered his life and contemplated his confessions and desires in hopes of a future with God. The landscape represents the vastness of the possibilities opening to him and the ongoing expansion of his vision.

Epiphany Outside Manresa

Oil and maps on canvas

40" x 60"

In early Christianity, the butterfly symbolized the Resurrection. Ignatius had a spiritual epiphany while living in Manresa. One day on his way to a church about a mile from town, he took a break to admire nature. On this single occasion, he experienced a clarity that totally changed his understanding of everything.