A MAJOR exhibition of stained glass, paintings, woodcut prints and wood carving by sculptor and painter Greg Tricker are on display at Westminster Cathedral until October, 15, writes Matthew Travers.
The exhibition will be opened by Sister Wendy Beckett, distinguished art historian, writer and author of a new book on the artist to be launched at the opening.
The collection was shown at Gloucester Cathedral in the spring and will move to Piano Nobile Gallery from November 16 to December 10.
Sacred Light: The Christ Journey shows 35 new works, including five monumental stained-glass pieces to be hung in the nave. The exhibition takes place in the St Patrick and St Andrew side chapels and nave of the cathedral. Also included in the display is a huge sculpture of Joseph of Arimathea carved from oak and a penitent Magdalene from a piece of 500-yearold ash.
Mr Tricker’s profound and simple style of work is deeply rooted in the mystical tradition of modern British art for which the artist has gained international recognition. This exhibition, marking his 60th year, focuses on the theme of Christ’s journeys: Nativity, ministry, Passion, Death and Resurrection and on the journeys of a gathering of saints: Mary, the Mother of God, St Francis, St Clare and St Bernadette. The show brings together themes the artist has worked on over the past few years.
This is the first time the cathedral has allowed a contemporary artist to exhibit so prominently in the body of the church, marking it as a historic occasion.
Sister Wendy Beckett’s book features the 34 pieces that make up the bulk of he exhibition, each accompanied by a reflection enabling the reader to discover the artist’s own spirituality evident in them, while firmly placing them in the context of the Gospels and Christian tradition.