In the Light of His Glory - Elizabeth Wang London Exhibition

Blessed Virgin - Holy House

An exhibition of both new and well-known pictures by Catholic artist Elizabeth Wang has opened in London. Entitled 'In the Light of His Glory', the exhibition takes place at the French Church, off Leicester Square, from now until 16 September.

The pictures illustrate Christian themes in striking contemporary imagery, and touch on subjects such as prayer, holiness, suffering, the love of Christ, the Eucharist, and the Glory of God. They should inspire and encourage those searching for a deeper faith. They include much loved images like 'Christ the Bridge', 'The Abyss' and 'Leaning on His Cross'; and new ones such as 'Our Souls Are Like Diamonds', and 'Held in the Embrace of Christ'.

The French Church is a great centre of prayer and faith in the heart of London's West End - easily accessible by public transport. Its prayerful atmosphere and famous circular architecture make it an ideal place for this exhibition.

The parish team at the French Church have been particularly keen to host the exhibition this year, as part of their 'Olympic outreach'. They are aware of the hundreds of thousands of visitors who will be in central London for the Olympics and Paralympics, and Elizabeth Wang's pictures form one part of their evangelisation mission to welcome people into the church and inspire them in their journey of faith.

Elizabeth Wang was born in 1942 and received into the Catholic Church in 1968. She is an artist, homemaker and mother who now spends time writing, painting and speaking about prayer and the Catholic Faith. She has been involved in the life of her home parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, Harpenden, particularly as a catechist. Her children are grown-up, and one of her sons is a Catholic priest.

She has exhibited at the Royal Academy, and the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours. She has had solo exhibitions of religious work at Westminster Cathedral, the Bar Convent Museum (York), Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy, and at various schools and parishes throughout the country. Her artwork has been used recently by presenter Frances Hogan on EWTN television, and installed in the Catholic chapel at Wormwood Scrubs prison. Many of her paintings are published side-by-side with her
religious writings.

Mgr Keith Barltrop writes that Elizabeth's art "continues the great tradition of the Church from earliest days in using contemporary art to instruct us about God's truth and attract us to his beauty, leading us on to heartfelt adoration and to awareness of his being with us and all people from moment to moment." And the Dominican Fr Aidan Nichols writes: "I have been very impressed by the way Elizabeth Wang seeks to expand people's sense of the mystery of the Eucharist in all its dimensions".

The Radiant Light website includes an online art gallery where these 18 exhibition pictures can be viewed at home. Visit www.radiantlight.org.uk and view the section "2012 London Exhibition". High quality images of these pictures can be downloaded from the website, free of charge, to print at home - to use in personal prayer and reflection, or to share with others.

As part of the exhibition, there is an afternoon event on Saturday 8 September at 2pm in the French Church (finishing about 4pm), which includes a time of prayer and reflection, a guided meditation on each of the images, and the celebration of Holy Mass. All are welcome; no tickets required. (NB: Allow extra time to travel because of the Paralympics)

INFORMATION: The exhibition takes place at the French Church, 5 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (just off Leicester Square, near the main Häagen-Dazs Cafe), from now until 16th September 2012. The church is open every day from 9am to 9pm. Everyone is welcome, and entrance is free.

Visit: www.radiantlight.org.uk for further information.