Otherworldly Cathedral painting exhibition extended by popular demand
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A stunning art exhibition, blending Early Renaissance and Byzantine art and inspired by Yeats’ poetry and well-known Bible stories, has been extended by St John’s Cathedral due to popular demand
A stunning art exhibition, blending Early Renaissance and Byzantine art and inspired by Yeats’ poetry and well-known Bible stories, has been extended by St John’s Cathedral due to popular demand.
Sailing to Byzantium, an exhibition of charcoal and oil paintings by award-winning Brisbane artist Olga Bakhtina, is a reflection on contemporary issues through the lens of timeless Biblical stories.
Olga Bakhtina said that her art processes life’s complexities through Biblical narratives.
“I’m often asked why I paint Biblical scenes,” Ms Bakhtina said.
“These works are about humanity and what comes with it, including the beautiful things in life like love, kindness, devotion, and sacrifice, and also the pain and tragedy, such as betrayal, greed, cruelty, and war.
“Looking around the world, you wonder, ‘Has anything really changed since the Bible was written?’
“These works are both my attempt to process what is happening in the world, as well as an invitation for the viewer to reflect on what they see in the works, as well as in the world.”
In his poem “Sailing to Byzantium” Yeats writes of yearning for a place where the soul can escape the limitations of the physical world — a Byzantium where art and eternity intersect.
“Baptism of Christ” by award-winning Brisbane artist Olga Bakhtina (2024, oil on canvas, 90cm x 90cm)
The exhibition, which was launched by Archbishop Jeremy Greaves on Thursday 11 July, has been extended to Monday 26 August.
Archbishop Jeremy Greaves praised the depth and beauty of Olga Bakhtina’s work at the opening night launch.
“In and through this exhibition Olga Bakhtina perhaps invites us to explore our own inner Byzantium where our souls might find peace and we might glimpse something of the transcendence to which the works point us to,” Archbishop Jeremy said.
“I like the idea that when it comes to art, you are not merely a spectator; you are a participant in a sacred dialogue.”
Olga Bakhtina began studying painting 15 years ago while living in Oman with her family.
She is currently studying the History of Art at the University of Queensland.
Entry to the Cathedral exhibition is free.
For more information on the stunning exhibition, please visit the St John’s Cathedral website or Olga Bakhtina’s website.
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