Exhibition at Saint John’s Anglican Cathedral
The Exhibition
Since the History of Art and my strong interest in theology, I have been working on a series of paintings on Christianity for the last few years, in which I express my views and reflections.
The first painting from this series, ‘Risen Christ’, grew out during a grieving time in the family. It was more than a painting: it was also a meditation, a prayer, and a healing process.
I still work on this series and find it a special experience. It’s difficult to describe, but this is possibly how icon painters felt throughout history. I admire and find lots of inspiration in early Christianity art, especially Byzantine icons and early Renaissance frescoes, with their simplified forms and clear colours. For me, Christianity and the Bible, with its intricate values and magnificent beauty, are endless sources of inspiration.
St John’s Anglican Cathedral
Address: 373 Ann St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
St John’s Cathedral is the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane and the metropolitan cathedral of the ecclesiastical province of Queensland, Australia. It is dedicated to St John the Evangelist.
The Exhibition runs from June 20th to July 26th 2023
Part of the proceeds will go to St JOhn’s Anglican Cathedral.
A Quick Peek
The Works on Display
Good Samaritan
2023, Oil on Canvas, 102cm x 102cm, $2200
The parable of the Good Samaritan has been inspiring art lovers for centuries. It was painted thousands of times, from the great masters of Delacroix and Van Gogh to children learning the values of Christianity in kindergartens.
For me, the parable is not the story of the two men who did not help the traveler, but of the man who did. He brought help, relief, and hope which is what my painting reflects.
Risen Christ
2023, Oil on Canvas, 102cm x 102cm, $2200
‘Risen Christ’ is a variation of my first Christian artwork, ‘Resurrection’, which is now in the collection of Holy Spirit Seminary in Banyo, Brisbane.
It’s an important painting for me, as it was painted around 7 years ago when my father-in-law was dying. Erik, my husband, flew urgently to the Netherlands. I couldn’t go with him as my elderly mother was visiting, but on some level, I did.
‘Resurrection’ was my goodbye and prayer for my father-in-law, as well as a prayer for my husband. An attempt to help him to hold on, stay strong, and to help him feel that I was close. Art does magical things after all. This year’s variation on the theme is, first of all, a prayer for peace.
In this painting, the Saviour emerges out of a stormy, threatening sky, a man who has passed through death. Christ is part of a different world now, a surrealistic world with churches and ducks in the background, the world where past and present are connected.
When people ask me why there are ducks in the painting, I can’t give them a clear answer. Maybe, not everything has an answer. But in early Christianity, the duck was a symbol of freedom and liberation, good news, and hope.
Pieta
2023, Oil on Canvas, 102cm x 102cm, $2200
Entry to Jerusalem
2023, Oil on Canvas, 102cm x 102cm, $2200
The painting refers to a narrative in the four Gospels, describing the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which is celebrated on Palm Sunday.
Jesus was greeted by a joyful crowd, and I tried to express the festivity of the event through the artistic means – the joyous colours and the grace of the shapes.
Baptism of Christ
2022, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 90cm, $1800
This painting depicts the figure of Christ being baptised in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. Within the history of Art, paintings of the Baptism were very important and notable as they depicted the beginning of Jesus’s ministry and confirmation of his identity as the Son of God.
The colour palette I’ve chosen for this painting symbolises the two natures of Jesus, his hypostatic union, being both fully God and fully man. The ultramarine blue is for his divine self and the earthy colours are for his human self.
Hospitality of Abraham
2023, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 90cm, $1800
The artwork was inspired by the famous Russian icon ‘Trinity’ by Andrej Rublev painted in the 15th century. It refers to the event detailed in Gen 18, when three men who later turned out to be Angels on the way to destroy Sodom and Gomorra, appeared at Abraham’s tent. Abraham provided hospitality to them and they promised Abraham that he and his wife Sarah would have a child within a year. Abraham tries to convince one of the Angels to consider the righteous people who might live in Sodom and spare the city.
This is my most recent painting, not only because Rublev’s icon is in the middle of a big scandal in Moscow at the moment, but also because of this conversation between Abraham and the Angel.
I see the connection and the metaphorical parallels of what is happening in Russia at the moment and the story of Abraham and three Angels.
Crucifixion
2023, Oil on Canvas, 120cm x 90cm, $2400
Blue Prayer
2018, Oil on Canvas, 120cm x 90cm, $2400
Why in times of despair, when all the other sources of hope are empty, do even those people who don’t go to church or consider themselves atheists, ask Him for help? Or in the middle of a sleepless night, when your common practical sense is off and you feel the world’s vulnerability and imperfection, why do you ask for forgiveness and protection for your loved ones?
We are all thirsty for hope, forgiveness, and faith. “Blue Prayer” is a meditation on this thirst.
“Blue Prayer” took a long time to complete. On good days, the lilies (flowers that are bursting with symbolism) would turn into innocent white. On lesser days they would become bloodthirsty, sinful red. In the final work, they are a mixture of innocence and sin. As are all of us.
St George and the Dragon
2022, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 90cm, $1800
The legend of St. George’s fight is an allegory of the victory of good over evil. I thought 2022 was a good time for painting St George.
St George is the patron saint of the poor, the warriors, and the armorers as well as the herdsmen with their herds. According to legend, St. George freed a Libyan city from a dragon that had tormented the inhabitants. The dragon could only be appeased by bringing it sacrifices. When the king and queen did not know what to do, they were prepared to sacrifice their daughter, Elizabeth. At the last minute, the young George appeared on a white horse and killed the dragon.
George, who is said to have come from Cappadocia, is a martyr of the Roman army and was likely beheaded during the persecution of Christians under the reign of Diocletian. He was buried in the St. George Church in Lydda which was built in his honour and consecrated during the reign of Constantine the Great.
In some of the old orthodox icons, the king’s daughter is holding the dragon with a rope with which she drags it through the town after it has been defeated – as it says in the legend – ‘and all the world was baptised because of this miracle!.’
I find it really fascinating that the rope is also meant to symbolize that every person is connected with evil. This can only be conquered by firm belief, a willingness to make sacrifices and love.
St Michael Archangel
2022, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 90cm, $1800
Saint Michael, an archangel, is a spiritual warrior in the battle of good versus evil. He is considered a champion of justice, a healer of the sick, and the guardian of the Church.
‘Saint Michael’ was painted as the pair for another one of my paintings, ‘Saint George and the Dragon’, in 2022.
With everything that has been happening this year, I thought it was good timing. We all have been fighting our own dragons.
Both paintings were inspired by old orthodox icons and painted in traditionally strong, earthy colour schemes. As an opposite to St George, who is mainly represented on a white horse, St Michael is often painted on a red-winged horse, springing over a burning Jericho.
Adoration of the Magi
2022, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 90cm, $1800
This painting depicts the Holy Family and three Magi, represented as kings. The Magi having found Jesus by following a star are worshipping Him and presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
This is one of my favourite scenes in the Nativity of Jesus series and I tried to express the joyfulness of the moment through colour and tenderness through the placidity of my lines.
One of the viewers of this painting mentioned that the stance of the cow reflected an expression of humility. I thought it was a very touching and beautiful observation as this was an unconscious artistic choice as I worked to create compositional harmony. It’s always very touching when an attentive and thoughtful viewer discovers elements of a painting that the artist didn’t initially see.
Blue Concert
2022, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 90cm, $1800
The painting is inspired by ‘The song of the Angels’ by the classical French Master, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905).
I loved the painting so much that I wanted to make my own interpretation of it with an infusion of modernism. I must admit, it was very challenging. I retained the basic composition of Bouguereau’s painting; however, I expressed it in my own painting style.
Here, I tried to create an atmosphere of quiet harmony and intimacy through simplicity and gentle nativity. This was my second attempt at this painting and I’m rather fond of it. As Peter Paul Rubens wrote in his ‘Letters to Painters’: “learn from the Masters, learn from the best”. 🙂 The colour palette of various shades of blues and golden yellows contributes to the feeling of peace and serenity.
Veronica's Veil
2020, Oil on Canvas, 102cm x 102cm, $2200
The painting refers to the story of Veronica, a kind woman, who offered her veil to Jesus carrying the Cross on the way to Golgotha to wipe his forehead. When Jesus returned the veil, the image of his face was miraculously on it.
Good Samaritan with Lily
2020, Oil on Canvas, 102cm x 102cm, $1800
The parable of the Good Samaritan has inspired artists for centuries. It has been painted and drawn thousands of times, from great masters like Delacroix and Rembrandt to children learning the values of Christianity in kindergarten. Nowadays, the theme is as contemporary, and needed, as ever.
Within the last 6 years, I’ve painted 3 versions of the parable of Good Samaritan, in a different style and manner, investigating different attitudes and facing new artistic challenges.
The goal in ‘Good Samaritan with a Lily’ was to create a graphic parable expressing the idea in a simple narrative form as Jesus himself was telling it. The parable is shaped up into a well-proportioned message, beautiful in its simplicity: help. In this painting, I tried to express the same.
This painting is also a study in form. It is about geometry and the repetition of shapes in the design: the similarities in the roundness of the Samaritan’s turban, trees, and forms of the donkey, and the repetition of the shape of the lily and the donkey’s ears. The intersection of verticals and diagonals is the basis for the geometry and harmony created in this work.
Martha and Mary
2020, Oil on Canvas, 102cm x 102cm, $2200
The painting refers to Bible Story of Mary and Martha, two sisters, who opened their home to Jesus as he traveled with his disciples. As Martha hurries to ensure the preparations, Mary simply sits at the feet of Jesus and listens to the wisdom of Christ.
This story is often used to talk about priorities; usually saying something to the effect that we should not be distracted with tasks (like Martha) and miss out on being with Jesus (like Mary). I have to admit, I always felt sorry for poor Martha, who only meant the best.
Madonna and Child in Pink
2023, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 90cm, $1800
One of the latest paintings on my favourite theme, this artwork symbolises hope, love and protection.
Artistically, it was an experiment in a new colour palette for me. I love the tenderness of pinks. By the way, did you know that in the Middle Ages pink was the colour of bravery and was worn by knights? I think this fun fact adds an additional dimension to this painting.
Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
2020, Oil on Canvas, 102cm x 102cm, $2200
The painting depicts the episode in the life of Jesus, which occurred after the Last Supper before his betrayal and arrest which led to his crucifixion. Jesus prays to be delivered from his impending suffering, while also accepting God’s will.
The expressiveness of the brushstrokes and distortion of the forms represent the great anguish He experiences.
Good Samaritan with a Cross
2020, Oil on Canvas, 102cm x 102cm, $1800
There are three paintings of Good Samaritan in the exhibition, in different styles, compositions and colour schemes. They all represent the artistic search for a language to retell the famous parable which is a timeless lesson for all of us, no matter which century it is or which religion we are.
Salvator Mundi
2021, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 60cm, $1400
Salvator Mundi, Latin for ‘Saviour of the World’, is a traditional subject in iconography depicting Christ with one hand raised in blessing and the other hand holding an orb, symbolising the Earth.
My ‘Salvator Mundi’ is sharing white lilies with the viewer. These flowers burst with symbolism and are frequently featured in my artworks. White lilies traditionally symbolise the purity of Christ, faith, devotion, and humility, which is much needed nowadays.
Flight into Egypt
2022, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 90cm, $1800
Biblical stories are an endless source of inspiration for an artist who aspires to storytelling, and this is one I had been planning to paint for a long time.
Shortly after the visit of the Magi (or Three Kings), Joseph was warned in a dream that King Herod was intent on killing the child, Jesus, so he took Mary and the baby to Egypt for safety. It was a good decision. Following the orders of King Herod, all male children two years old and under in the vicinity of Bethlehem were executed in what is known as The Massacre of the Innocents.
Sadly, too many families around the world still have to flee to reach safety. This painting was my prayer for these families.
Other Christian Works
Adoration of the Angels
2020, Oil on Canvas, 102cm x 102cm, $1800
I like the idea that all art should aspire towards the condition of music. Especially, painting. ‘Adoration of the Angels’ certainly does so for me.
When I look at it, I think of Ave Maria by Giulio Caccini, it is less famous then Schubert’s or Bach’s, but this piece makes you believe in the divine origin of music. I heard it for the first time during a ‘Christmas Under the Stars’ school concert, performed by a high school student and the school orchestra. There were a few people in tears, including me. I think that it’s a true gift to be able to put people in tears. It was probably then when my passion for the ‘Mother and Child’ theme started.
Artistically, this painting is an experiment in the geometrical arrangement of form and shape. The colour palette comprises gentle pastels contributing to the atmosphere of joy and the solemnity of the Nativity scene. And as is the case in all of my ‘Mother and Child’ works, creating this painting was a prayer.
Adoration of the Magi and Angels
2022, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 90cm, $1800
This painting is inspired by the stained glass of old European churches. Its colours are bright and happy, reminiscent of stained glass windows and shimmering Byzantine mosaics. Bold brushstrokes charge the painting with a lively energy to express the joyfulness of Nativity.
I have to admit that 2022 was a very difficult year for me. Even though I still painted a lot, it was a truly ‘blue period’ for me with mostly a blue palette.
This painting was my first painting after emerging from my ‘blue period’ and as you can see, there is a wide spectrum of colour in it, encapsulating the whole rainbow to mark my new beginning.
St Mary and Child
2020, Oil on Canvas, 75cm x 60cm, $1200
This painting is from a series inspired by my studies of the Early Renaissance. ‘St Mary and Child’ was an experiment with an Early Renaissance style, staying true to myself by adding a touch of Modernism. I tried to express harmony, affection, and lyricism through the calm color palette and the balance of geometrical forms.
Henri Matisse once said ‘My paintings are my prayers’. My paintings are my own prayers, too: I have three children and have a number of variations on the theme of Mother and Child, both in oil and charcoal.
St Mary and The Blessed Child
2020, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 60cm, $1200
This is one of my favorite paintings on the theme of Mother and Child with a limited color palette of earthy tones. I like the juxtapositioning of vulnerability and strength this work depicts. The free, energy-charged brushstrokes and the strong emotional facial expressions of both, St Mary and Jesus, add to this impression.
Annunciation with a Still Life
2019, Oil on Canvas, 75cm x 60cm, $1200
This painting is part of a series inspired by my studies of the Early Renaissance, it depicts the classical scene in Christian art where the Archangel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary to announce that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit to be called Jesus. Traditionally, Christian artists used several symbols in the scene of Annunciation which were easily understandable for devotees.
For example, Mary’s throne emphasizes the importance of her role, the dove symbolizes the act of immaculate conception, the book which Mary holds is a reference to Bible. There were lots of secret symbols in the scene of the Annunciation, especially in the Northern Renaissance art.
In my Annunciation, there are pears symbolizing affection between the Virgin and Child and lilies to symbolise purity. Both pears and lilies are favourite and frequent subjects in my artwork. It’s interesting that a lily started to appear in the scene of Annunciation, replacing Gabriel’s sceptre, from the 14th century in Florence. A red lily was represented in the coat of arms of Florence. Sienna, as Florence’s old rival, replaced the sceptre with an olive branch in their paintings of the Annunciation. In Northern Early Renaissance paintings, we often see lilies in a vase rather than in Gabriel’s hand.
In my painting, I tried to express the solemnity of the moment with simplified forms and the tranquillity of this event with a pearly colour palette.
St Mary in Prayer
2020, Oil on Canvas, 75cm x 60cm, $1200
This painting was inspired by my studies of the Early Renaissance, particularly my studies of Piero della Francesca. I was deeply touched by the series of frescos ‘Discovery of the True Cross’ in Arezzo when I was traveling across Italy a couple of years ago. Since then, della Francesca has become one of my favourite painters. I even authored a research paper on Piero’s use of mathematics and geometry in his art as a part of my History of Art studies at the University of Queensland. In this painting, I tried to express the tranquillity of the prayer through the calm and pearlescent colours much loved by Piero della Francesca.
Head of Christ
2023, Oil on Canvas, 60cm x 90cm, $1400
