William Kurelek is one of the most important and original painters of Canada. Many of his works now are housed in the major galleries of Canada and internationally. Kurelek's work is also an important exploration of the interface between the artist's religious and critical interpretations of modern technological and humanist culture.

Kurelek consistenly adhered to his hope that art could bring Christian theology and ethical concerns to bear upon the contemporary cultural situation. In this sense, he shared much in common with Georges Rouault, Max Beckman and Stanley Spencer. Ilse Friesen argues that the purpose of Kurelek's art was to save souls. Kurelek emphasised hell because it held out a greater attraction to humankind, while at the same time providing an image of an open door leading from damnation to salvation. In this sense, as the author herself claims, Kurelek's work becomes a visual Divine Commedia.