s one decodes this large 9 ft. x 10 ft. canvas that connects the spiritual depths of Kanye West and Ernie Barnes, what you will discover is a wisely constructed view of the celestial hierarchy that will unfold gently on your mind. We are irresistibly drawn into the drama by the radiant figure of a muscular and robust angel bursting through the boundaries between the finite and the infinite.

The angel dominates the composition as the viewer is lifted into the heavens and into the realm of cherubs and saints gathered in joy around the descending angel -- God’s messenger. Although the canvas is square in shape, the artist has created a spiral

effect which gives the viewer access to a scene no matter where one is positioned. Each scene in the celestial hierarchy is bathed in an atmosphere of soft transition separated by shafts of light. The top left of the painting portrays the gifts, or talents, God assigns us to develop. Cherubs are shown packaging them for placement during births. In the top right is the record department, where names are kept and discoveries are made for those who stay or have to go back into the realm of the living.

The entire composition pivots around the gleaming brownish flesh tones of Kanye West receiving his new life’s aura from a descending angel.

In classic majesty, he is shown kneeling in a submissive gesture of raised arms while riding on the shoulders of the Grim Reaper, the angel of death. This figure represents Kanye West’s accident and this angel is in charge of announcing death and taking the soul to heaven or hell. It is in counterbalance to the heavenly angel above. The Grim Reaper is able to change forms in order to trick those living into giving up their souls to him. The figures in prayer are guide angels who go back and forth between heaven and the underworld. They carry moral codes and handle the delivery of spiritual truths which could have a transformative effect on humanity.

But the very center of the painting is its essence. As if he has just appeared before God, Kanye West is being celebrated by a chorus of rejoicing angels. He is again receiving the gift of music from a heavenly cherub. Surrounding him are people who are dear to one another and to him. This is his family: his mother, father and grandparents. Beyond them in the background are those ancestors who are already a part of heaven’s population, coming to meet him. The eye is continually drawn upwards by the light gradations of color as we see Kanye West’s lifeless form ascending into the heavens, carried by an angel. This is that instant of the accident when a message went to heaven, that Kanye West was en route, but will soon learn that he has to come back because it is not his time. This is what sparks a celebration in heaven, and it is represented by baby angels carrying balloons. The message of this celebration is to use your God-given talent and squeeze your potential until it cries for mercy. This is the message Kanye West wants to extend into the hearts and minds of young people, all of whom require positive support.