Teenage artist challenges viewers with pro-life artwork
SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi parishioner Alyx Kopie of Greenwood creates pro-life artwork that challenges viewers to think about the sanctity of life and the tragedy of legalized abortion. Women and men who are suffering from the pain of abortion can seek healing during a confidential Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat on March 19-21, 2010. The abortion reconciliation retreat at an private location is sponsored by the archdiocesan Office for Pro-Life Ministry. (Photo by Mary Ann Wyand)
By Mary Ann Wyand
Some people like Alyx Kopie’s pro-life artwork, but others are offended by her thought-provoking and controversial depictions of unborn babies.
The SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi parishioner and Center Grove High School junior understands their feelings and appreciates their honest comments.
“Abortion is a controversial issue,” Alyx said. “Art should challenge people to explore their feelings about controversial issues.”
She started creating pro-life artwork last year in her art classes.
“I was inspired to do my pro-life work because I believe art should be made with a meaning or purpose,” she said, “and I am really passionate about pro-life issues.”
Alyx said she will be very happy if her artwork convinces even one woman who is experiencing a crisis pregnancy to choose life for her unborn child.
She also hopes her pro-life creations will challenge pro-choice supporters to think carefully about the morality of the tragic and senseless deaths of more than 54 million babies in legalized abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court passed Roe v. Wade on Jan. 20, 1973.
“If one person who advocates choice looks at my art and [is] moved by the [Holy] Spirit to change,” she said, “then every piece of art I have ever created will be worth it.”
Servants of the Gospel of Life Sister Diane Carollo, director of the archdiocesan Office for Pro-Life Ministry, decided to display Alyx’s multimedia artwork at the Archbishop O’Meara Catholic Center, 1400 N. Meridian St., in Indianapolis for several weeks.
Alyx’s mobile and three pictures in various media will remain at the Catholic Center until Nov. 17 then will be displayed at SS. Francis and Clare Church, 5901 Olive Branch Road, in Greenwood from Nov. 22 until mid-December.
Titled “Collateral Damage,” her baby mobile illustrates how unborn life is fragile and literally hangs in the balance in our culture due to legalized abortion. It is made of silver coat hangers with strings that are attached to small, clear plastic balls. Inside each ball is a little fetus sculpted from clay resting in light pink tulle to symbolize the womb.
“Some people assert that legalized abortion prevents fewer back alley abortions and keeps women safe,” Alyx said. “The point in this piece of artwork is … about the choice that the baby is denied. … It is the baby that pays the ultimate price for the mother’s choice.”
“First Steps,” a pastel chalk picture, focuses on the unborn baby’s feet inside the womb.
“This piece is supposed to show the womb as a place of security for the baby,” she said. “It conveys the message that the first steps of life take place in the womb of the woman’s body.”
Another picture, “Roe v. Wade,” is Alyx’s first pro-life drawing and is done with colored pencils. It shows several fetuses floating inside a lava lamp, which was popular in homes during the 1970s when abortion was legalized.
Her acrylic painting on display is titled “I Wish You Were a Seahorse,” and shows a male seahorse with one of his babies.
“The male seahorse gives birth to the offspring,” Alyx said. “If a male seahorse gives birth to his offspring, why would the male in the human species pay for his own child’s death [in abortion]?”
“Is Alyx’s artwork controversial?” Sister Diane asked. “If controversy is understood as a clash of opposing views then, yes, her work is controversial because it stands in sharp contrast to the conclusions drawn about the value of human life by those who call themselves pro-choice. Her artwork communicates that human life has inestimable value and is non-negotiable.”
Alyx is a member of her parish youth group as well as the Archdiocesan Youth for Life organization. She also participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C., last January.
“As a pro-life teen, Alyx uses art to address the issue of abortion through symbolism that probes the ultimate meaning of life,” Sister Diane said. “She creates images that go to the heart of the pro-life message, which is that human life is sacred and must be protected by law. Her drawings and mobile challenge the mistaken notion that abortion is a human right. Through the medium of art, Alyx demonstrates that abortion is the ultimate assault against innocent human life.”
Alyx’s interest in educating people about the sanctity and dignity of life from the moment of conception began when she saw a video about prenatal development during a ninth-grade biology class field trip to a museum.
“It showed all the stages of fetal development,” she recalled. “It was very scientific. The entire time, I just thought, ‘Those [unborn babies] are so cute.’ After that, I started drawing pictures of fetuses.”
Alyx said that Gina Hines, the youth ministry coordinator at SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi Parish, discussed abortion facts and Church teachings on the sanctity of life with her and then encouraged her to become a pro-life volunteer.
“I was the first [youth group] member from SS. Francis and Clare Parish to go on the March for Life,” Alyx said. “I thought that was pretty cool. This year, I’m trying to recruit more people to go to the march.”
She also prayed during a “40 Days for Life” prayer vigil last spring in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Indianapolis.
At her school, Alyx participated in an annual abortion awareness day by wearing a piece of duct tape printed with the word “Life” over her mouth.
Through her pro-life artwork and volunteer activities, Alyx also is illustrating a well-known statement attributed to one of her parish’s patron saints. According to tradition, St. Francis of Assisi taught people to “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words.” †
