About the Painting
In Chinese tradition, “義 (yì)” evokes a sacred sense of duty, honor and sacrifice.
With slow, meditative strokes, the artist Tam reflects the gravity of this symbol. Etymologically, the traditional form of “義” conveys the image of offering a sacrificial sheep with a weapon to the heavens. While the character predates Christ’s incarnation by thousands of years, the prophetic convergence is striking– as “羊 (lamb)” atop “我 (self)” depicts a lamb offered in reverence, an echo of how Christ, the Lamb of God, was sacrificed so we might be made right with Him. Tam invites us to see more than coincidence—but a redemptive thread, woven through time, a cultural echo fulfilled in Christ.
In Him, righteousness is no longer earned through duty, but received through grace.
Tam invites us to contemplate true righteousness—not as a burden to bear, but a robe to wear.
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)