Cloud of Witnesses, an exhibition taking place across March and April in central London, showcases 26 artists who have come together to explore faith and divinity while provoking the viewer to think differently about how these have traditionally been portrayed.
Our Judging Panel awarded three small cash prizes, so we asked our artists to tell us what they think is important to share about this exhibition’s theme.
First Prize Winner – Iain Malcolm McKillop for ‘May They Be One’
“I found the breadth of imagery in this exhibition a useful reminder of the variety of ways in which people feel that they encounter aspects of God, touch on spiritual realities and explore truth. My own painting May They Be One suggested the idea that there can be elements of divine truth, from which to learn, in many ways of believing, and a variety of cultures.”
Second Prize Winner – Amber Khokhar for ‘Sacred Palm’
“I was honoured to receive second prize, as it represents a recognition of the exploration that defines my practice—one that looks to the symbols of the inner eternal world. The exhibition and its theme create a beautiful space for reflection on the spiritual inquiries that transcend man-made boundaries.”
Third Prize Winner – Sophie Hacker for ‘Infinity I’
“I am delighted to be a part of the Cloud of Witnesses exhibition, which is an important contribution to the conversation around understanding between faiths. The range of work is eclectic and inspiring. The diversity of work perfectly reflects the diversity of the theme, and yet physically ‘hangs together’ with such integrity. The exhibition is beautifully curated and the catalogue offers a great insight into the theme and the artists’ intentions. It was a delightful surprise that my own piece was chosen to win the third prize! I invested the prize money into a new Lightbox for my stained glass work. Many thanks to St John’s Waterloo, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Art + Christianity for enabling this exhibition.”
For more information click here or contact Fleur Dorrell at fleur.dorrell@cbcew.org.uk.
Panel of judges:
The Right Revd Peter M Brignall (Chair); Monica Bohm-Duchen; Graeme Mortimer Evelyn; Alexis Stones and Hassan Vawda.
Funded and supported by:
Art + Christianity; God who Speaks; St John’s Church, Waterloo; The Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Culham St Gabriel Trust and Bible Society.
