Experience 'Way of the Cross' art in Margaret River

Those looking for some creative inspiration over Easter are being invited to take in a special experience with the Margaret River Uniting Church as it hosts the Way of the Cross exhibition from 11-22 April.

In a project collaborating with local artist Nari Jones, the display consists of 14 images emerging from her deep meditation on both nature and on The Stations of the Cross, which is a traditional Franciscan-inspired depiction of Jesus’ journey to the crucifixion.

The exhibition was inspired by a conversation earlier this year between Nari and Rev. Don Dowling, a member of the Uniting Church.

Years ago, while serving as the Minister at Wesley Church in Perth, Don initiated a Way of the Cross Art Exhibition which became an annual treasured community event there.

Margaret River Uniting Church, as an affirming and inclusive church with a focus on contemplative practice, seeks to connect with the community through innovative and accessible events which invite creative interpretations of faith.

Each artwork has two main elements – a grounded animal representing the energy of the humanistic and a woven symbol expressing the Christ or the Divine.

Both speak to Nari’s perception of Christ’s teaching for each stage of the way to the Cross.

For example, the second artwork relating to the second station of the cross (in which Jesus takes up his cross) Nari offers a painting of a Giant Squid.

This animal, she writes, “represents the ‘spark’ within each of us; the aspect of all of us that is willing to pick up and carry burdens – our own and oftentimes many others.”

In the second artwork in the series, Jones says the giant squid “represents the ‘spark’ within each of us. Images supplied.

The woven symbol is of 12 concentric circles which “are a reminder to breathe, to check what you need, in order that you can ‘carry’ yourself and others when required.”

The exhibition will be on display at 60 Tingle Avenue from 11-22 April.

It will be soft-launched during the Palm Sunday service (13 April, 9:30am) where attendees will be invited to take it in and choose their favourite.

During the Good Friday service (18 April 9:30am) those present will have an opportunity to move contemplatively from artwork to artwork, while listening to Nari read out her artist statement for each.

In the Easter Sunday service (20 April 9:30am) Nari will give a short talk and then be interviewed by Rev. Craig Bosman, the Minister in Placement.

In between these services, the exhibition will be accessible intermittently from 11-22 April.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/margaretriveruc