LOCAL artist Norman Steel has created a contemporary crucifixion scene displayed outside Taunton United Reformed Church, in Paul Street.

It shows the story of Easter with present-day Taunton figures.

The background is the familiar ‘three crosses and a tomb’, but the soldiers and spectators in the foreground are from today’s world, with modern guns, mobile phones and Covid-era face masks.

Ron Williams, from the church, said: "The challenging piece invites the viewer to imagine the central story of the Christian faith taking place in today’s world.

"Jesus of Nazareth was arrested and killed for challenging the imperial powers, for upsetting religious leaders and disturbing a fragile social contract.

"He was loved and supported by the poor, by the ‘little ones’ of his time, those with little to lose.

"He was crucified and his body displayed as an example to warn others.

"This new work asks the viewer, ‘What do you see?’

"But the story is more than one moment, and the scene will change as the darkness of crucifixion turns into the hope of resurrection.

"This is not a fixed work, but a changing scene – so it’s worth coming to have a second look on Easter Day."