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Laura I. Gallery is thrilled to invite you to its first group exhibition , ”Codes Of Faith,” on the 10th of December 2016 ,timed to coincide with the lead up to the Christmas Holidays, a time of mysticism and spirituality for many individuals around the world.
Laura I. Gallery is thrilled to announce its first group exhibition, “Codes Of Faith,” opening on the 10th of December 2016 and timed to coincide with the lead up to the Christmas Holidays, a time of mysticism and spirituality for many individuals around the world.
Curated by Laura Iosifescu “Codes of Faith” is a group exhibition displaying artwork on the theme of faith from over 30 artists in order to celebrate diversity and promote world peace. Professional and amateur artists from myriad backgrounds and cultures will be displaying works representing their personal beliefs, varying from those who follow traditional religions to ideas about atheism and pagan spirituality. The aim of this multi-discipline exhibition is to inspire people to live in harmony, embrace differences and promote friendship and peace through our common values and wishes for personal peace and autonomy.
Throughout history, different religions and spiritual ideologies have had the power to separate people from each other and to create conflict. The organisers of “Codes of Faith aim to demonstrate that through art we can communicate to one another, overcome differences and unite in understanding and respect. By prompting dialogue and encouraging interdisciplinary exploration, “Codes of Faith” will ring in the holiday season in a truly thought-provoking way.
The choice to launch this exhibition in early December was one with purpose. The December holiday season is a deeply spiritual time for many people of diverse faiths around the world; while Christians are celebrating Christmas, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Pagans and Zoroastrians are all also observing important religious festivals and dates.
We feel that not only should religious people have the right to express their beliefs publicly, but so too should those who oppose or question these beliefs. While some of the artists on display choose to lambast organised religion and highlight its problematic aspects, other artists take this opportunity to express their deeply held religious beliefs in an emotional and moving way that is at once personal and global. For some, the experience might be uncomfortable or intellectually stimulating, while others may feel reminder of their own faith and the most beautiful aspects of life.
We feel that “Codes of Faith” is a continuation of an academic and artistic conversation that has been in progress for millennia. For centuries, religion and art have had a symbiotic relationship, and ancient works of art often depicted gods, goddesses and other spiritual components. Until the 19th century, much of the world’s artistic endeavour was sponsored by the church and by the nobility and as a result, very few high profile artists were able to express exactly what they wanted to convey.
Paintings with biblical themes flourished, particularly during the Renaissance and Baroque period, and it is important to remember that some the world’s most iconic artworks were commissioned for religious sites during this time. Iconic works such as Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam c.1511 (from the Sistine Chapel ceiling in Vatican City) and The Cathedral of Our Lady altarpiece painting Assumption of the Virgin Mary 1626 by Rubens (found in Antwerp, Belgium) are intrinsically connected to their religious contexts.
Art in the twentieth century has had a very different relationship with religion. Artists, freed from serving the church and their patrons, questioned religion and offered critique, often coming into conflict with church and even with state. It became less common for an artist to explore his or her own faith as western society increasingly moved towards secularism. That said, many pieces of modern art may appear secular, but when further analysed reveal artists grappling with faith, ideology and religion in a modern context.
We believe that art and religion are now connected with our human experience more than ever before, and you can see this connection in every work on display. “Codes Of Faith” explores the first-hand experiences of the artists involved, and showcases their individual interpretations of the meaning of existence.
In “Codes of Faith,” religion and art are united towards one common goal: bringing a sense of spirituality back to everyday life, and establishing a bond between the meaning of existence and the human experience. We are working towards a harmonic unity of three fields: science, art and religion in order to improve human existence around the world.
On December 12,2pm, many of the participating artists will be filmed as they are interviewed about their work and their visions of a perfect world. Some of the themes presented in the art show (and that will discussed in the interviews) include:
- The ways in which people construct and deconstruct identity around group-based activities, and in what way this manifests in the public domain.
- Exploring communication with those of other faiths and religious outlooks.
- The fractal patterns found everywhere in nature everywhere from the veins in our body to the branches of trees, the waves in the oceans, clouds and sand dunes, and their evidence as universal beauty that some might view as “God’s fingerprints.”
- Creating art in an environment riddled with religion, corporations and cabaret, a place where opposite can coexist.
- How we as artists can understand and convey the emotion and sacred meaning inherent in each subject, utilising a combination of theological understanding, research and creative imagination, as well as consummate artistic skill.
- Aesthetic and alchemic research about “the Enigma,” (the world of invisible and Divine) through the development of Human consciousness and its potential energy that might be hidden in modern human life. .
- The “human condition,” from the tremendous impact of biotechnology to the awesome complexity of the psyche.
- Different forms of spiritual meditation and healing.
Seamus Moran
Give me the child
Mixed media
Size:66cm
2016
“Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man”
That was the Jesuit motto, alleged to be attributed to Francis Xavier, the co-founder of the Jesuit Order. The implication is that the best opportunity to indoctrinate a person in a lifetime of belief and devotion to religious dogma is when they are young.
This piece confronts the socially accepted idea that the grooming of children into their parents religion is perfectly legitimate and a normal part of growing up. I used colourful images cut from pages of various children’s bibles to make a decoupage over a wooden cross, adding a rat trap baited with a jelly baby. The imagery I have used is Christian, but this kind of indoctrination happens in all religions and is the starting point for most terrorists.
Give me the child
Mixed media
Size:66cm
2016
“Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man”
That was the Jesuit motto, alleged to be attributed to Francis Xavier, the co-founder of the Jesuit Order. The implication is that the best opportunity to indoctrinate a person in a lifetime of belief and devotion to religious dogma is when they are young.
This piece confronts the socially accepted idea that the grooming of children into their parents religion is perfectly legitimate and a normal part of growing up. I used colourful images cut from pages of various children’s bibles to make a decoupage over a wooden cross, adding a rat trap baited with a jelly baby. The imagery I have used is Christian, but this kind of indoctrination happens in all religions and is the starting point for most terrorists.
Glenn Fitzy Fitzpatrick
Apple Party
Medium Hybrid Gel Liner Pen.
Size W 109cm x H 79cm
From a world of chaos comes an office party with an apple at its center. The connection to the apple is musical and harmonious. The surrounding movements and symbols are various and combine a constructed knowledge. The world is seen from three different angles, challenging the viewer to identify the Third World.
This is an environment riddled with religion, corporation and cabaret, a place where opposite poles coexist.
With the power of worldwide communication, the east has the opportunity to hear the songs of the west and vice-versa. Music takes its influences from afar and creates something wonderful from them, elevating the atmosphere of this party.
Apple Party
Medium Hybrid Gel Liner Pen.
Size W 109cm x H 79cm
From a world of chaos comes an office party with an apple at its center. The connection to the apple is musical and harmonious. The surrounding movements and symbols are various and combine a constructed knowledge. The world is seen from three different angles, challenging the viewer to identify the Third World.
This is an environment riddled with religion, corporation and cabaret, a place where opposite poles coexist.
With the power of worldwide communication, the east has the opportunity to hear the songs of the west and vice-versa. Music takes its influences from afar and creates something wonderful from them, elevating the atmosphere of this party.
Hisham Echafaki
Righteousness Butterfly,
acrylic, resin and perspex,
21cmx30cmx5cm
2011
Growing up in a family with parents of different faiths (Islam and Catholicism), religion was presented to me as one of many possible paths and I was encouraged to always question and find my own answers. I was brought up with the idea of respecting and valueing others beliefs and faiths and this has influenced the way I view religion and express it in my art.
A 3D painting of a butterfly using a technique of alternating layers of resin and paint to create a three dimensional effect. The butterfly wings depicts people of different religions in conflict. The concept of Righteousness implies that a person's actions are justified and can have the connotation that the person has been judged as living a life that is pleasing to God. Here righteousness has turned into self-righteousness whose source is self and where man is glorified instead of God. The devastating actions of the self-righteous are depicted on the butterfly's bottom wings.
Righteousness Butterfly,
acrylic, resin and perspex,
21cmx30cmx5cm
2011
Growing up in a family with parents of different faiths (Islam and Catholicism), religion was presented to me as one of many possible paths and I was encouraged to always question and find my own answers. I was brought up with the idea of respecting and valueing others beliefs and faiths and this has influenced the way I view religion and express it in my art.
A 3D painting of a butterfly using a technique of alternating layers of resin and paint to create a three dimensional effect. The butterfly wings depicts people of different religions in conflict. The concept of Righteousness implies that a person's actions are justified and can have the connotation that the person has been judged as living a life that is pleasing to God. Here righteousness has turned into self-righteousness whose source is self and where man is glorified instead of God. The devastating actions of the self-righteous are depicted on the butterfly's bottom wings.
Ivan Djidjev
Saviour
Mosaic, gold(23.5K) on wooden panel
60cm/80cm
The creation of icons has been considered a sacred profession throughout history; however the subject the artist depicts, although prescriptive in nature, force the artist to focus on his skill and the essence of his painting, as well as on the religious subject-matter. To portray a Byzantine work effectively, and to understand and convey the emotion and sacred meaning inherent in each subject, requires a combination of theological understanding, research and creative imagination, as well as consummate artistic skill.
In my works I try to mix some of the most ancient and the most modern forms of art .I try to touch the illusion of eternity, and combine the many influences I am surrounded by when creating my contemporary works. Mosaic art resembles very much planting a tree, because the mosaic is just like a millennium tree, it is something that lasts forever. Each artwork is not just a piece of my own, on my creative journey, it is a window into the spiritual world.
Saviour
Mosaic, gold(23.5K) on wooden panel
60cm/80cm
The creation of icons has been considered a sacred profession throughout history; however the subject the artist depicts, although prescriptive in nature, force the artist to focus on his skill and the essence of his painting, as well as on the religious subject-matter. To portray a Byzantine work effectively, and to understand and convey the emotion and sacred meaning inherent in each subject, requires a combination of theological understanding, research and creative imagination, as well as consummate artistic skill.
In my works I try to mix some of the most ancient and the most modern forms of art .I try to touch the illusion of eternity, and combine the many influences I am surrounded by when creating my contemporary works. Mosaic art resembles very much planting a tree, because the mosaic is just like a millennium tree, it is something that lasts forever. Each artwork is not just a piece of my own, on my creative journey, it is a window into the spiritual world.
Keith Loker
"My Mother's Thoughts"
Size: 42cm x 34 cm
This portrait reflected in a window reminds Keith of his Mother and his Grandmother. It is made up of thousands of tiny handlaid dots for which Keith uses an extremely fine pen. The technique is known as ink stippling. It was created in his small cell on San Quentin death row in isolation. Like many of his artworks, Keith felt moved to make this piece for personal reasons and it is particularly special to him. Keith does not see his mother very often, but he knows that she thinks about him every day. In the picture, one can imagine that she is lost in thought as she remembers him as a small child running across a beach. He also depicts his old 1984 Ford ranger pick up truck he once had before he went to prison - representing how life was. Keith's Mother is one of the constant sources of love in his life. Both him and his mother share a strong faith and this combined with her unconditional love for him helps him to survive the harsh prison environment. For Keith, having a faith and the love of his family enables him to have hope for the future.
"My Mother's Thoughts"
Size: 42cm x 34 cm
This portrait reflected in a window reminds Keith of his Mother and his Grandmother. It is made up of thousands of tiny handlaid dots for which Keith uses an extremely fine pen. The technique is known as ink stippling. It was created in his small cell on San Quentin death row in isolation. Like many of his artworks, Keith felt moved to make this piece for personal reasons and it is particularly special to him. Keith does not see his mother very often, but he knows that she thinks about him every day. In the picture, one can imagine that she is lost in thought as she remembers him as a small child running across a beach. He also depicts his old 1984 Ford ranger pick up truck he once had before he went to prison - representing how life was. Keith's Mother is one of the constant sources of love in his life. Both him and his mother share a strong faith and this combined with her unconditional love for him helps him to survive the harsh prison environment. For Keith, having a faith and the love of his family enables him to have hope for the future.
Kyoyoung Keum
An old man
Medium: Mixed media on canvas
Dimensions: 34.8cm x 27.3cm (13.7 x 10.7 in)
Year: 2016
My work starts from the question, "What is reality?" This seemingly obvious question implies that there is bigger difference between what people believe and what is true than we normally expect. What is reality and is what you are certain of really true?
We who exist now may not in fact be us. Perhaps, this world itself may not exist at all. . We may be just a 'dream' which other beings in another world see. Or, all things in the world may be delusion. It may be just that we do not perceive it. Probably, images and
reality are only what our brains forged. There are cases when vision is twisted as we do not move from unconsciousness to conscious and refuse to do so. I sometimes wonder if the reality I live in is truly a reality or it is just dream. Has memory been manipulated?
I am attracted fantasy movies or books describing unrealistic situations because they resemble reality but are actually spaces that cannot be reached. They make what we have believed to be impossible possible and are even logical. They are realization of imagination of the ideal. Paul Klee mentioned, "Art is not to reproduce what is visible but to visualize what is invisible." I am interested in what is invisible and my works pursue reproducing invisible ideal spaces.
Although I do not place a limitation on the medium of work as far as it can reveal the
intention of the work well, I am more attracted to painting work since I feel it is closer to the intentions of my works. I try to make expressions which can provide the audience with clues imaginable. I intend to propose a new world through new expressions and expressive techniques. I’d like each individual audience to be able to make various stories, which I hope (in turn) create many stories like when one is immersed in solving a quiz or puzzle. Coloring work is also similar to this; I proceed with coloring in the method of putting the puzzle together.
An old man
Medium: Mixed media on canvas
Dimensions: 34.8cm x 27.3cm (13.7 x 10.7 in)
Year: 2016
My work starts from the question, "What is reality?" This seemingly obvious question implies that there is bigger difference between what people believe and what is true than we normally expect. What is reality and is what you are certain of really true?
We who exist now may not in fact be us. Perhaps, this world itself may not exist at all. . We may be just a 'dream' which other beings in another world see. Or, all things in the world may be delusion. It may be just that we do not perceive it. Probably, images and
reality are only what our brains forged. There are cases when vision is twisted as we do not move from unconsciousness to conscious and refuse to do so. I sometimes wonder if the reality I live in is truly a reality or it is just dream. Has memory been manipulated?
I am attracted fantasy movies or books describing unrealistic situations because they resemble reality but are actually spaces that cannot be reached. They make what we have believed to be impossible possible and are even logical. They are realization of imagination of the ideal. Paul Klee mentioned, "Art is not to reproduce what is visible but to visualize what is invisible." I am interested in what is invisible and my works pursue reproducing invisible ideal spaces.
Although I do not place a limitation on the medium of work as far as it can reveal the
intention of the work well, I am more attracted to painting work since I feel it is closer to the intentions of my works. I try to make expressions which can provide the audience with clues imaginable. I intend to propose a new world through new expressions and expressive techniques. I’d like each individual audience to be able to make various stories, which I hope (in turn) create many stories like when one is immersed in solving a quiz or puzzle. Coloring work is also similar to this; I proceed with coloring in the method of putting the puzzle together.
Leticia de Hoyos
GOD IS GOOD
Mixed media: oil on canvas and vinyl,
48 x 58 cm (framed)
With these works I try to show the bases of my belief.
On the one hand, GOD IS GOOD, shows a happy man, full of God. Is His son, like all of us. His wisdom and love grow with him every day of his life because he is made of God.
He takes a pen with him that allows him to write each chapter of his diary and draw the world around him. He is happy because God doesn´t ask him to do sacrifices in his name...you don´t have to kill...you are not going to hell...you are there because I love you...because God is good and he doesn´t live afraid of Him.
God lives IN and WITH him creating a wonderful soul.
GOD IS GOOD
Mixed media: oil on canvas and vinyl,
48 x 58 cm (framed)
With these works I try to show the bases of my belief.
On the one hand, GOD IS GOOD, shows a happy man, full of God. Is His son, like all of us. His wisdom and love grow with him every day of his life because he is made of God.
He takes a pen with him that allows him to write each chapter of his diary and draw the world around him. He is happy because God doesn´t ask him to do sacrifices in his name...you don´t have to kill...you are not going to hell...you are there because I love you...because God is good and he doesn´t live afraid of Him.
God lives IN and WITH him creating a wonderful soul.
Lorraine Clarke
Worry Beads
Mixed media with human hair.
H97 x W28 x D6cm.
2014
Visual artist Lorraine Clarke’s practice, from large installations to small finely crafted
collections, is infused with research into rites and traditions, anthropology, ancient
and contemporary medical practices, folklore and belief systems. She addresses the
“human condition”, from the tremendous impact of biotechnology to the awesome
complexity of the psyche.
Over the past ten years Clarke has created large bodies of work expressing her interest
and investigation into the link between magic, medicine and religion. This on-going
work is founded on, and inspired by, years of exploration into aspects of the
medical/biomedical world and our systems of belief.
Having just completed her MA in Art & Science, researching how the object
connected to our belief systems could affect our physiology and bring about wellbeing,
Clarke continues to investigate the faith that people invest in objects and the
physical relationship of these objects to our bodies.
“Worry Beads”, reminiscent of a reliquary or a sacred votive object, consists a string
of hand-held beads composed of symbolically rich human hair and an effigy alluding
to the amulet or simple fetish. The artwork, interlacing faith, hope, expectation, fear
and superstition, evidences man’s credence in miracles while relating to the power of
belief and suggestion.
www.clarke-art.co.uk
Worry Beads
Mixed media with human hair.
H97 x W28 x D6cm.
2014
Visual artist Lorraine Clarke’s practice, from large installations to small finely crafted
collections, is infused with research into rites and traditions, anthropology, ancient
and contemporary medical practices, folklore and belief systems. She addresses the
“human condition”, from the tremendous impact of biotechnology to the awesome
complexity of the psyche.
Over the past ten years Clarke has created large bodies of work expressing her interest
and investigation into the link between magic, medicine and religion. This on-going
work is founded on, and inspired by, years of exploration into aspects of the
medical/biomedical world and our systems of belief.
Having just completed her MA in Art & Science, researching how the object
connected to our belief systems could affect our physiology and bring about wellbeing,
Clarke continues to investigate the faith that people invest in objects and the
physical relationship of these objects to our bodies.
“Worry Beads”, reminiscent of a reliquary or a sacred votive object, consists a string
of hand-held beads composed of symbolically rich human hair and an effigy alluding
to the amulet or simple fetish. The artwork, interlacing faith, hope, expectation, fear
and superstition, evidences man’s credence in miracles while relating to the power of
belief and suggestion.
www.clarke-art.co.uk
Luciana Busellato
My mother on her deathbed
Photograph
Framed
Size:35cm x 70cm x 3cm.
Faith - the most powerful answer to the human fear of the unknown.
We all have faith in something, it is a choice we make every day.
Faith in your marriage, faith in your country, faith in your values, faith in your god, faith in the afterlife.
Faith is instinct and hope. Faith is freedom of choice. Faith transcends time and boundaries. Faith is personal and unique.
The beauty of faith is that it is flexible, it can change and evolve with you. I classify myself as an agnostic, so I do not believe in afterlife, but since my mother died I do now believe that I will see her again. So what? Faith is made for comfort. You decide what to do with it.
The faith you choose shapes who you are - to yourself, to your family, to your community, to the world.
Faith is the most powerful weapon we have to create a harmonious world and live a better life. As long as you believe in something, life acquires meaning. As long as you have faith, you know where your place is.
As long as you know the value of faith, tolerance and respect will never be missing in your life.
My mother on her deathbed
Photograph
Framed
Size:35cm x 70cm x 3cm.
Faith - the most powerful answer to the human fear of the unknown.
We all have faith in something, it is a choice we make every day.
Faith in your marriage, faith in your country, faith in your values, faith in your god, faith in the afterlife.
Faith is instinct and hope. Faith is freedom of choice. Faith transcends time and boundaries. Faith is personal and unique.
The beauty of faith is that it is flexible, it can change and evolve with you. I classify myself as an agnostic, so I do not believe in afterlife, but since my mother died I do now believe that I will see her again. So what? Faith is made for comfort. You decide what to do with it.
The faith you choose shapes who you are - to yourself, to your family, to your community, to the world.
Faith is the most powerful weapon we have to create a harmonious world and live a better life. As long as you believe in something, life acquires meaning. As long as you have faith, you know where your place is.
As long as you know the value of faith, tolerance and respect will never be missing in your life.
Mista Fig
"Allahu Akbar الله أكبر " ---- welcome to the pleasure dome
Artwork within a glass dome
Displayed within a glass dome. Mixed media. Handmade. Edition of one
Size:14.5 ins / 37 cms tall x 19 ins / 49 cms circumference of glass dome x 6 ins / 15 cms deep
I am in the process of completing a series of work entitled, “The Untouchables”, depicting religious deities.
Religion is out of it’s box.
It amazes me the lack of tolerance from religious groups towards each other.
Artists have been killed for portraying an image of a deity.
Faith appears to have unquestioning followers.
To be told or controlled by religion, fascinates me.
Attempting to frighten people into silence and dominate all aspects of their life, scares me a little, but as an artist, I will not fear zealots.
I have been creating this series “The Untouchables”, with interpretations of the Pope, the Prophet Mohammed etc, in an attempt to challenge these powers that try to control.
If we desire to live together in a multi-cultural, harmonious society, we need to avoid brainwashing and isolation.
I am not dismissive or anti religion but enjoy questioning it.
My creations and words are not blasphemy.
This is art and ultimately, freedom ….
"Allahu Akbar الله أكبر " ---- welcome to the pleasure dome
Artwork within a glass dome
Displayed within a glass dome. Mixed media. Handmade. Edition of one
Size:14.5 ins / 37 cms tall x 19 ins / 49 cms circumference of glass dome x 6 ins / 15 cms deep
I am in the process of completing a series of work entitled, “The Untouchables”, depicting religious deities.
Religion is out of it’s box.
It amazes me the lack of tolerance from religious groups towards each other.
Artists have been killed for portraying an image of a deity.
Faith appears to have unquestioning followers.
To be told or controlled by religion, fascinates me.
Attempting to frighten people into silence and dominate all aspects of their life, scares me a little, but as an artist, I will not fear zealots.
I have been creating this series “The Untouchables”, with interpretations of the Pope, the Prophet Mohammed etc, in an attempt to challenge these powers that try to control.
If we desire to live together in a multi-cultural, harmonious society, we need to avoid brainwashing and isolation.
I am not dismissive or anti religion but enjoy questioning it.
My creations and words are not blasphemy.
This is art and ultimately, freedom ….
Myriam Gross Mall
“Into the Museum?“
Showing six martyr woman and saints with their attributes.
Conserved in container, filled with purified water. Mixed media.
Size - Each 11,8“ x 4,3“ (30,5 cm x 11cm)
The installation „Into the Museum?“ consists of 12 containers with lids (30,5cm high and 11 cm wide). Each glass contains a Barbie doll with the attributes of a saint or martyr. The glasses are filled with distilled water, purified with Micropur. So far they have been presented on a steel shelf, but a selection could be presented on a smal table.
The installation „Into the Museum?“ shows 12 saints and women martyr in glasses. Saints and woman martyr were omnipresent during the middle ages in Christian religion. They had been worshipped during the mess, saint ́s days and processions. They had been addressed during all kind of circumstances from birth to death.
In the installation the martyr women and saints are preserved with their attributes in glasses. To give attention to the saints and martyr women in our modern society, I consciously chose the Barbie doll as a medium. No other doll exists that polarizes people in a similar way. Almost every beholder has his/her individual story with the Barbie doll. Either one was a proud owner as a child, or was forced to deal with the doll as a parent. I want to explore this and combine it with questions, which could result from the installation.
Due to the presentation, on a shelf or table, the installation could theoretically stand in a Museum of Natural History. From first glance they would not appear different from the other exhibits, highlighting the historical impact of the saints and martyr women. We can find them in many Christian narratives and documented in various ways in Christian religious art from the past. However, do they belong in a museum, or are they still playing a role today? Is there space for saints and martyr women in our modern society? Do we need them anymore? Or did we substitute them? If yes, by what means? These could be some questions resulting from the installation „Into the Museum? “.
“Into the Museum?“
Showing six martyr woman and saints with their attributes.
Conserved in container, filled with purified water. Mixed media.
Size - Each 11,8“ x 4,3“ (30,5 cm x 11cm)
The installation „Into the Museum?“ consists of 12 containers with lids (30,5cm high and 11 cm wide). Each glass contains a Barbie doll with the attributes of a saint or martyr. The glasses are filled with distilled water, purified with Micropur. So far they have been presented on a steel shelf, but a selection could be presented on a smal table.
The installation „Into the Museum?“ shows 12 saints and women martyr in glasses. Saints and woman martyr were omnipresent during the middle ages in Christian religion. They had been worshipped during the mess, saint ́s days and processions. They had been addressed during all kind of circumstances from birth to death.
In the installation the martyr women and saints are preserved with their attributes in glasses. To give attention to the saints and martyr women in our modern society, I consciously chose the Barbie doll as a medium. No other doll exists that polarizes people in a similar way. Almost every beholder has his/her individual story with the Barbie doll. Either one was a proud owner as a child, or was forced to deal with the doll as a parent. I want to explore this and combine it with questions, which could result from the installation.
Due to the presentation, on a shelf or table, the installation could theoretically stand in a Museum of Natural History. From first glance they would not appear different from the other exhibits, highlighting the historical impact of the saints and martyr women. We can find them in many Christian narratives and documented in various ways in Christian religious art from the past. However, do they belong in a museum, or are they still playing a role today? Is there space for saints and martyr women in our modern society? Do we need them anymore? Or did we substitute them? If yes, by what means? These could be some questions resulting from the installation „Into the Museum? “.
Natalia Marinych
Belief
Size: 50 H x 60 W x 1 cm
Medium: Oil on canvas
Price: $3270 USD
Desciption:
Quran says, “Do you not see that GOD has committed in your service everything in the heavens and the earth, and has showered you with His blessings – obvious and hidden? Yet, some people argue about GOD without knowledge, without guidance, and without the enlightening scripture. The believers are members of one family; you shall keep the peace within your family and reverence GOD, that you may attain mercy”.
Bible says, “The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”.
I’m Africa. I’m multireligious. My children are Christians and Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. I love them all, why don’t they love each other? When will the differences in their religions stop hurting people? For the same words are written in different ways in the Saint Books. And each person should trust in his God without fear.
Belief
Size: 50 H x 60 W x 1 cm
Medium: Oil on canvas
Price: $3270 USD
Desciption:
Quran says, “Do you not see that GOD has committed in your service everything in the heavens and the earth, and has showered you with His blessings – obvious and hidden? Yet, some people argue about GOD without knowledge, without guidance, and without the enlightening scripture. The believers are members of one family; you shall keep the peace within your family and reverence GOD, that you may attain mercy”.
Bible says, “The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”.
I’m Africa. I’m multireligious. My children are Christians and Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. I love them all, why don’t they love each other? When will the differences in their religions stop hurting people? For the same words are written in different ways in the Saint Books. And each person should trust in his God without fear.
Amber Agha
Extracts from “The Beloved- Journey to Union” by Amber Agha
Recorded on cassette tape- 90 mins
Spoken word tracks interspersed with shamanic song and rattle
Listened to with headphones
“Faith is a multi layered, multi faceted, deeply personal journey. The Beloved- Journey to Union was written during 4 years of profound spiritual awakening. It was my call to the Beloved, my greatest partner in Love in the physical world, in me and in the essence of the Divine.
This work is inspired by that yearning to connect to something greater, that desire to experience love and connection and that deep inner knowing that at times I have run from that there is more to this life than just random events with no meaning. That when I surrender to a force greater than my mind, greater than the ego, when I find faith in a power greater than anything we could imagine, my life starts to transform. And as I discover the Divine and the Sacred around me, in the land, in the animals and the birds, in others I also start to discover it in me. I remember that I too am a slice of the Divine, I AM a sacred part of this Universe.
Inspired by the stories of Sacred Union through the ages, of the Gods and Goddesses who came together in love and in service, by the myths and legends of the ultimate divine sacred partner, the divine consort, the sacred marriage, this work has evolved.
I hope it inspires faith and sacred union in those who listen to it. Allow the words and the sounds to wash over you, listen as many times as you wish, listen to the whole 90 mins or start and stop at free will, see what stirs deep in your heart and what your soul remembers of who are truly are.”
Extracts from “The Beloved- Journey to Union” by Amber Agha
Recorded on cassette tape- 90 mins
Spoken word tracks interspersed with shamanic song and rattle
Listened to with headphones
“Faith is a multi layered, multi faceted, deeply personal journey. The Beloved- Journey to Union was written during 4 years of profound spiritual awakening. It was my call to the Beloved, my greatest partner in Love in the physical world, in me and in the essence of the Divine.
This work is inspired by that yearning to connect to something greater, that desire to experience love and connection and that deep inner knowing that at times I have run from that there is more to this life than just random events with no meaning. That when I surrender to a force greater than my mind, greater than the ego, when I find faith in a power greater than anything we could imagine, my life starts to transform. And as I discover the Divine and the Sacred around me, in the land, in the animals and the birds, in others I also start to discover it in me. I remember that I too am a slice of the Divine, I AM a sacred part of this Universe.
Inspired by the stories of Sacred Union through the ages, of the Gods and Goddesses who came together in love and in service, by the myths and legends of the ultimate divine sacred partner, the divine consort, the sacred marriage, this work has evolved.
I hope it inspires faith and sacred union in those who listen to it. Allow the words and the sounds to wash over you, listen as many times as you wish, listen to the whole 90 mins or start and stop at free will, see what stirs deep in your heart and what your soul remembers of who are truly are.”
Oriana Haddad
Genesis: The Future of Being
Digital C-Print
40x60
Edition of 50
Title: “Genesis: The Future of Being”
This is a declaration of faith in the human body. Our own body is the place where we go to
experience, to search, to change anything in the World. There is nowhere else to go. Apart from
the great venture of nature, through which we can give birth to another human life, there isn’t a
venture so great and so arduous, a venture that must be honoured so much, as giving birth to
ourselves. All of us, men and women, are left an open womb by nature, already containing our
own birth, and pregnant with possibilities of being. The human resource for regenerating life and
the World is inherent within each human being, regardless of sex and gender.
“Genesis” draws on sacred iconography, applying religious syncretism, from West to East. It is an
icon of ancestral and futuristic sacredness; it is a symbol of faith in a new humanity, aware of its
potential.
Genesis: The Future of Being
Digital C-Print
40x60
Edition of 50
Title: “Genesis: The Future of Being”
This is a declaration of faith in the human body. Our own body is the place where we go to
experience, to search, to change anything in the World. There is nowhere else to go. Apart from
the great venture of nature, through which we can give birth to another human life, there isn’t a
venture so great and so arduous, a venture that must be honoured so much, as giving birth to
ourselves. All of us, men and women, are left an open womb by nature, already containing our
own birth, and pregnant with possibilities of being. The human resource for regenerating life and
the World is inherent within each human being, regardless of sex and gender.
“Genesis” draws on sacred iconography, applying religious syncretism, from West to East. It is an
icon of ancestral and futuristic sacredness; it is a symbol of faith in a new humanity, aware of its
potential.
Parvin Khoshdel (P. Rayga)
The Mosque
Acrylic on pastel paper
Size: 54cm x 43 cm
This work depicts my impression of the mosque, the place of worship for all Muslims. It is a holy place with large columns, and has grand arches under a large dome. It is full of glitter and has painted ceramics, mainly made of turquoise stone. As I was born in a Muslim family in Iran, naturally my parents were practising Muslims, and I followed what they taught me. We all used to go to the mosque together, and I learnt during these moments that people would attend the mosque not only for canonical-prayers, but for additional prayers during difficult times, as well as for moments of self-reflection and peace. For me the mosque has always represented this, and is a place where I feel centred and close to God. As a child, I also marvelled at the patterns of geometry and colour that were found in most mosques. In particular, the colour of turquoise and the numerous symmetries that I saw, left their mark on me, and for me represent the beauty of this important place of worship. This painting depicts a view I saw endless times as a child, and for me represents the essential qualities of the mosque.
The Mosque
Acrylic on pastel paper
Size: 54cm x 43 cm
This work depicts my impression of the mosque, the place of worship for all Muslims. It is a holy place with large columns, and has grand arches under a large dome. It is full of glitter and has painted ceramics, mainly made of turquoise stone. As I was born in a Muslim family in Iran, naturally my parents were practising Muslims, and I followed what they taught me. We all used to go to the mosque together, and I learnt during these moments that people would attend the mosque not only for canonical-prayers, but for additional prayers during difficult times, as well as for moments of self-reflection and peace. For me the mosque has always represented this, and is a place where I feel centred and close to God. As a child, I also marvelled at the patterns of geometry and colour that were found in most mosques. In particular, the colour of turquoise and the numerous symmetries that I saw, left their mark on me, and for me represent the beauty of this important place of worship. This painting depicts a view I saw endless times as a child, and for me represents the essential qualities of the mosque.
Andrea Redmond
The Green Mother
Medium- oil on canvas
Size- 16x 2 inches or 41x51 m
I have been an artist and feminist all of my life. I spent my working life
(paid but mostly
voluntarily) in the community and voluntary sectors, primarily working in women’s developmental groups, in Canada, Belfast and Derry Northern Ireland.
I am a Mother to 3 beautiful children. I went back to learning late in my 40’s and completed a PhD in cultural anthropology, with research work on Ireland’s
Travelling Peoples. Compassion burnout led to much soul searching, I decided to focus primarily on my art, and have moved to an isolated part of County Donegal
in Ireland, where I hope to develop a retreat centre for mystics, artists, women and fly fisherfolk lol. I am currently working to develop a self-sustaining
small holding using goddess-based permaculture.
My artwork comprises a variety of media from painting to sculpture, oils, stone and wood carving, lifesize sculptures, quilts and wall hangings. My art reflects my spirituality as a practicing pagan and devotion to the divine feminine.
The Green Mother
Medium- oil on canvas
Size- 16x 2 inches or 41x51 m
I have been an artist and feminist all of my life. I spent my working life
(paid but mostly
voluntarily) in the community and voluntary sectors, primarily working in women’s developmental groups, in Canada, Belfast and Derry Northern Ireland.
I am a Mother to 3 beautiful children. I went back to learning late in my 40’s and completed a PhD in cultural anthropology, with research work on Ireland’s
Travelling Peoples. Compassion burnout led to much soul searching, I decided to focus primarily on my art, and have moved to an isolated part of County Donegal
in Ireland, where I hope to develop a retreat centre for mystics, artists, women and fly fisherfolk lol. I am currently working to develop a self-sustaining
small holding using goddess-based permaculture.
My artwork comprises a variety of media from painting to sculpture, oils, stone and wood carving, lifesize sculptures, quilts and wall hangings. My art reflects my spirituality as a practicing pagan and devotion to the divine feminine.
Chris Boyko
Passage: conversion, growth, alteration
45.72 cm x 60.96 cm,
oil on canvas, 2013,
Exploring communication with those above, two figures support the structure from below the base. A third figure begins to climb; he hoists himself up by placing his foot in the hands of figure beneath him. Upon reaching the apex, a message will be delivered by placing it inside the hole. The message will then travel down the cylinder, reaching the figure with his hands extended outward.
Passage: conversion, growth, alteration
45.72 cm x 60.96 cm,
oil on canvas, 2013,
Exploring communication with those above, two figures support the structure from below the base. A third figure begins to climb; he hoists himself up by placing his foot in the hands of figure beneath him. Upon reaching the apex, a message will be delivered by placing it inside the hole. The message will then travel down the cylinder, reaching the figure with his hands extended outward.
Vasilije Stojanović – Vasa
Old Jew
Oil on canvas
50x70 cm
Is faith in a higher power still relevant today? What faith is the true one? Was not there enough disaster in the name of faith? Should tolerance and generosity be at the top? Only the study of ancient books and experience leads to wisdom, regardless of faith
Vasilije Stojanović - Vasa, was born in 1955 in Vršac - Serbia. He lives and works in Germany since 1976. It uses very specific elements to design artistic creations, including using conventional materials, diverted objects, cutlery and various silverware, to shape a world teeming wildlife, Metallic and almost magical, almost as alive despite appearances. Recognizable anyway.
An imaginary reality sculpting with silver flakes, scrap metal and abused for ephemeral beauty and fun.
The multi-award winning artist treated Vasa and classic materials such as wood, bronze, stone. Also innumerable oil paintings, graphics and sculptures of mixed materials are among his works.
Old Jew
Oil on canvas
50x70 cm
Is faith in a higher power still relevant today? What faith is the true one? Was not there enough disaster in the name of faith? Should tolerance and generosity be at the top? Only the study of ancient books and experience leads to wisdom, regardless of faith
Vasilije Stojanović - Vasa, was born in 1955 in Vršac - Serbia. He lives and works in Germany since 1976. It uses very specific elements to design artistic creations, including using conventional materials, diverted objects, cutlery and various silverware, to shape a world teeming wildlife, Metallic and almost magical, almost as alive despite appearances. Recognizable anyway.
An imaginary reality sculpting with silver flakes, scrap metal and abused for ephemeral beauty and fun.
The multi-award winning artist treated Vasa and classic materials such as wood, bronze, stone. Also innumerable oil paintings, graphics and sculptures of mixed materials are among his works.
Mark B. Timmins
Mountain Avery’
Medium: acrylics within a narrow white box frame.
Size: 40cm /50cm
Year: 2016
Birds and winged beings appear in my painting constantly. These creatures are not only symbols of peace and harmony, but they are also symbolically speaking Messengers. Trying to make sense of the message that they convey is part of my artistic process.
My art is a form of spiritual meditation and healing. My images are also a way of honouring and channelling the child within. I wish to create a dialogue between my eight year old self who saw spirit and wonder in everything and my adult self who is more cynical / fearful and perhaps a little lost within the modern world.
My childhood was spiritually rich as I was transfixed by the two worlds of Native American spirituality on the one hand, and Biblical iconography on the other. This is still apparent in my work today.
The three paintings submitted relate to connections with nature and the landscape. I am not entirely sure where my personal faith lies, but my paintings try to help me connect to something ancient and beyond time limitation. Perhaps my faith is in my inner child and his spiritual connection to me.
Mountain Avery’
Medium: acrylics within a narrow white box frame.
Size: 40cm /50cm
Year: 2016
Birds and winged beings appear in my painting constantly. These creatures are not only symbols of peace and harmony, but they are also symbolically speaking Messengers. Trying to make sense of the message that they convey is part of my artistic process.
My art is a form of spiritual meditation and healing. My images are also a way of honouring and channelling the child within. I wish to create a dialogue between my eight year old self who saw spirit and wonder in everything and my adult self who is more cynical / fearful and perhaps a little lost within the modern world.
My childhood was spiritually rich as I was transfixed by the two worlds of Native American spirituality on the one hand, and Biblical iconography on the other. This is still apparent in my work today.
The three paintings submitted relate to connections with nature and the landscape. I am not entirely sure where my personal faith lies, but my paintings try to help me connect to something ancient and beyond time limitation. Perhaps my faith is in my inner child and his spiritual connection to me.
Patricia Bidi
My Angel
Size:51cm/41cm
Price:8000
The Angel (Oil painting on canvas)
The angel was created after a visit to my native Peru; the whole
atmosphere and experiences I encountered there inspired me to create
this piece. The colours depict playful childhood memories too. This
painting has a great deal of Red, meaning passionate energy. Green is
the healing power that an angel can transmit. White unifies the painting,
meaning innocence and new beginnings and pink symbolizes universal
love.
Composition rule of thirds is made up from this painting by singling out
sections of the angel to help grasp the connection of every aspect the
painting can convey. Brown represents mother earth and the way nature
provides us a way of living that the Creator of the Universe intended. It
includes all seasons, which display a world that is constantly evolving.
Textures with a spatula add touches of action to represent a fragmented
world that is consistently changing, expressing ideas of journey
between shifting cultural landscapes. I believe beauty can join us to the
sacred and give us a glimpse of the divine when we can experience the
feeling of being at home.
My Angel
Size:51cm/41cm
Price:8000
The Angel (Oil painting on canvas)
The angel was created after a visit to my native Peru; the whole
atmosphere and experiences I encountered there inspired me to create
this piece. The colours depict playful childhood memories too. This
painting has a great deal of Red, meaning passionate energy. Green is
the healing power that an angel can transmit. White unifies the painting,
meaning innocence and new beginnings and pink symbolizes universal
love.
Composition rule of thirds is made up from this painting by singling out
sections of the angel to help grasp the connection of every aspect the
painting can convey. Brown represents mother earth and the way nature
provides us a way of living that the Creator of the Universe intended. It
includes all seasons, which display a world that is constantly evolving.
Textures with a spatula add touches of action to represent a fragmented
world that is consistently changing, expressing ideas of journey
between shifting cultural landscapes. I believe beauty can join us to the
sacred and give us a glimpse of the divine when we can experience the
feeling of being at home.
Muhammad Zaman
Mercy
Acrylic On wood
size : 17" Circular wood piece(tondo)
From Ancient to Modern Calligraphy
I am an Urban Artist specialized in Arabic calligraphy.
Over the years I have developed a personal style that incorporates three different languages that make up my identity: English since I live in the USA, the Bengali, language of my fatherland, and Arabic which is the language of the religion I belong to.
Since childhood, I was always fascinated by the languages, lettering and calligraphy of different parts of the world. Being a Muslim in the USA, there is a lot of negativity towards our tradition but I always look for ways to give something positive to people and what better way to do that than through the arts.
I was influenced by the artist Elseed and his idea to create unity for people from different background, ethnicity and religion.My aim is to inspire people to share the same place and learn from each other in harmony and mutual understanding.
Although my works contain words in three different languages, there is always at least one recognizable word. This makes the audience curious to ask and decode the message, and this led them to a deep connection with my art.
Even if I use ancient techniques and universal messages of peace, I keep going trying new shapes and colors to present my art to the world with a modern look.
Mercy
Acrylic On wood
size : 17" Circular wood piece(tondo)
From Ancient to Modern Calligraphy
I am an Urban Artist specialized in Arabic calligraphy.
Over the years I have developed a personal style that incorporates three different languages that make up my identity: English since I live in the USA, the Bengali, language of my fatherland, and Arabic which is the language of the religion I belong to.
Since childhood, I was always fascinated by the languages, lettering and calligraphy of different parts of the world. Being a Muslim in the USA, there is a lot of negativity towards our tradition but I always look for ways to give something positive to people and what better way to do that than through the arts.
I was influenced by the artist Elseed and his idea to create unity for people from different background, ethnicity and religion.My aim is to inspire people to share the same place and learn from each other in harmony and mutual understanding.
Although my works contain words in three different languages, there is always at least one recognizable word. This makes the audience curious to ask and decode the message, and this led them to a deep connection with my art.
Even if I use ancient techniques and universal messages of peace, I keep going trying new shapes and colors to present my art to the world with a modern look.
Daksha Amin
Spiritual experience on the river Ganges
Medium - Oil
Size - 32"x 32" (81cm x 81cm)
This is my birth place Varanasi, the oldest and holiest city in India and this city is located on the banks of the river Ganges.
The River Ganges is a holy river in Hinduism. It is religiously significant due to its origin as Hindu mythology states that Ganga flowed directly from the heavens.
According to Hindu mythology Ganga has the power to purify anything she touched and as a result she was ordered to descend onto Earth.
In Hinduism the River Ganges is said to be the most sacred and is worshiped by Hindus and personified as a goddess, who holds a significant place in the Hindu religion.
Hindu faith believes that bathing in the river, especially on certain occasion causes the forgiveness of sins and helps to attain salvation.
Ganges water is also used in all the Hindu religious ceremonies.
The Ganges is considered the most sacred waterway in India to people of Hindu faith and thousands of pilgrims descend on the holy city of Varanasi each year to cleanse their sins in its purifying waters.
People travel from distant places to immerse the ashes of their kin in the waters of the Ganges and this immersion is also believed to send the deceased soul to heaven.
Spiritual experience on the river Ganges
Medium - Oil
Size - 32"x 32" (81cm x 81cm)
This is my birth place Varanasi, the oldest and holiest city in India and this city is located on the banks of the river Ganges.
The River Ganges is a holy river in Hinduism. It is religiously significant due to its origin as Hindu mythology states that Ganga flowed directly from the heavens.
According to Hindu mythology Ganga has the power to purify anything she touched and as a result she was ordered to descend onto Earth.
In Hinduism the River Ganges is said to be the most sacred and is worshiped by Hindus and personified as a goddess, who holds a significant place in the Hindu religion.
Hindu faith believes that bathing in the river, especially on certain occasion causes the forgiveness of sins and helps to attain salvation.
Ganges water is also used in all the Hindu religious ceremonies.
The Ganges is considered the most sacred waterway in India to people of Hindu faith and thousands of pilgrims descend on the holy city of Varanasi each year to cleanse their sins in its purifying waters.
People travel from distant places to immerse the ashes of their kin in the waters of the Ganges and this immersion is also believed to send the deceased soul to heaven.
Laura Iosifescu
Exploring The Frequencies of Essence
Oil paint and acrylics on canvas
126cm/107cm
2016
Exploring The Frequencies of Essence
Oil paint and acrylics on canvas
126cm/107cm
2016
Paula De Sousa
Mother Earth
Medium: Acrylic and oil pastels on paper
Size: 54 x 59.5cm unframed
I believe in Paganism
I believe in Pantheism
I believe in Humanism
I believe in Mother Earth, Gaia
I believe in the colours that swirl around us in the wind and Sun
I believe in the energy and patterns in the world
I believe in the strength and power of the oceans and the moon
I believe in the warmth and soul of the animals and wildlife
I believe in our humanity and connection to everything around us and to each other
I believe that my painting represents all of these elements which are important to me. The interconnection of everything, the flowing water of life and the colours that meet together.
I have used acrylics and oil pastels to create an energy and movement depicting the energy and movement in the elements and landscape. The figure is Gaia with all her children that is the animals and earth standing together. The sun, moon and stars are the constant above us.
Mother Earth
Medium: Acrylic and oil pastels on paper
Size: 54 x 59.5cm unframed
I believe in Paganism
I believe in Pantheism
I believe in Humanism
I believe in Mother Earth, Gaia
I believe in the colours that swirl around us in the wind and Sun
I believe in the energy and patterns in the world
I believe in the strength and power of the oceans and the moon
I believe in the warmth and soul of the animals and wildlife
I believe in our humanity and connection to everything around us and to each other
I believe that my painting represents all of these elements which are important to me. The interconnection of everything, the flowing water of life and the colours that meet together.
I have used acrylics and oil pastels to create an energy and movement depicting the energy and movement in the elements and landscape. The figure is Gaia with all her children that is the animals and earth standing together. The sun, moon and stars are the constant above us.
EiDenai
Nosce Te Ipsum
Size: 60X80
Medium: ACRYLIC ON CANVAS.
Year; 2016
Nosce te ipsum is a latin translation from greek for the meaning ‘’know thyself’’. The art work is the result of an aesthetic and alchemic research about the Enigma, the world of invisible and Divine, through development of Human consciousness and its potential Energy hidden and almost forgotten into modern human being .
The mother Nature, and its misteries is yet the direct shape of the ancient discretion to evocate the Life and cathalyse counsciousness; it sets the rhythm,the breathe and especially shows the limit. The faith,that is always a route towards improvement to be part of the whole armony ,can be found in the knowledge and respect of own limits. The plants are archetypical subjects , manifestation of the Multiverse with roots in the unknown world , and the branches in the world of ‘ will be’.contemplation of Nature means Respect the silence, the size of toughts,means hear the inner voice of the untold, unknown. The most important purposes in Nosce te ipsum is to evocate an atmosphere through colors and textures,that tells there is a miracle place behind what it is seen,which is our real homeplace , and heaven is not far away, it may be here and now.
Nosce Te Ipsum
Size: 60X80
Medium: ACRYLIC ON CANVAS.
Year; 2016
Nosce te ipsum is a latin translation from greek for the meaning ‘’know thyself’’. The art work is the result of an aesthetic and alchemic research about the Enigma, the world of invisible and Divine, through development of Human consciousness and its potential Energy hidden and almost forgotten into modern human being .
The mother Nature, and its misteries is yet the direct shape of the ancient discretion to evocate the Life and cathalyse counsciousness; it sets the rhythm,the breathe and especially shows the limit. The faith,that is always a route towards improvement to be part of the whole armony ,can be found in the knowledge and respect of own limits. The plants are archetypical subjects , manifestation of the Multiverse with roots in the unknown world , and the branches in the world of ‘ will be’.contemplation of Nature means Respect the silence, the size of toughts,means hear the inner voice of the untold, unknown. The most important purposes in Nosce te ipsum is to evocate an atmosphere through colors and textures,that tells there is a miracle place behind what it is seen,which is our real homeplace , and heaven is not far away, it may be here and now.
