ANGELA YOUNGMAN reports on how a programme of events at Rochester Cathedral in the UK is celebrating women this Easter…
Celebrating the faith, courage and wisdom of women isn’t a typical way to focus thought and reflection during Holy Week – yet this exactly what is happening at Rochester Cathedral.
Art, music and poetry are combining in an extraordinary programme – Women in Scripture: Paintings, Poems and Anthems – which is being led by the Rt Rev Dr Graham Kings, an Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Church of England’s Diocese of Ely and formerly director of the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide and Bishop of Sherborne.
Artist Silvia Dimitrova’s depiction of Esther. PICTURE: Supplied.
The programme features seven unique paintings by artist Silvia Dimitrova highlighting women from the Old and New Testament: Sarah, Miriam, Ruth, Esther, Mary Magdalene, Lydia and Priscilla.
“I first met the artist at the London Art Fair,” explained Kings. “Silvia paints traditional icons and we got on like a house on fire. When I was 50, my wife wanted to buy me a painting. Silvia created an icon of Mary Magdalene with Jesus and other images added into the painting.”
“They are very illustrative, and are a lot more me and my inner world. I have been very pleased to be involved in this project of fellowship, it is so interesting and interactive. I haven’t been involved in anything like this before.”
– Artist Silvia Dimitrova
It was a very unique painting concept and led him to commission other paintings to reflect milestones in his life and career. Sarah, for example, was painted to mark his work as a mission theologian while Priscilla marked his 60th birthday.
Other paintings include one of Miriam, sister of Moses, which features a baby in a basket hidden among the rushes and a burning bush and which also includes echoes of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, specifically when Frodo, racing toward Rivendell, sees white horses among the river waves that destroy the Black Riders.
Dimitrova said her painting style “is a real challenge and a joy”.
“They are very illustrative, and are a lot more me and my inner world. I have been very pleased to be involved in this project of fellowship, it is so interesting and interactive. I haven’t been involved in anything like this before.”
Artist Silvia Dimitrova’s depiction of Miriam. PICTURE: Supplied.
Kings, who has been writing spiritual poetry for many years, has created specific poems based on the images and background stories portrayed in the paintings.
Original music was added as a result of meeting Dr Tristan Latchford.
“I met Graham while doing my masters and had a discussion about the paintings and created an antiphon cycle,” Latchford said. “I felt it had to be a celebration because the paintings were so full of life and vibrancy.”
The result was the development of a multi-sensory experience that has been used in retreats and public exhibitions including during the 2022 Lambeth Conference at Canterbury Cathedral. At Rochester, the paintings will be on display in the Quire throughout Holy Week, and will be the focus of a series of reflective talks during the Holy Week services.
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Canon Sue Brewer, of Rochester Cathedral, said the cathedral chose to incorporate the ‘Women in Scripture exhibition’ in Holy Week services “because of our desire to share the inspirational ministry of women”.
“Sometimes, people who are not sure about God and the church respond evocative paintings, poetry and music. During evening worship on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the congregation will participate in interactive discussion. The traditional services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easer Day will come alive with profound creativity.”
Artist Silvia Dimitrova’s depiction of Mary Magdalene. PICTURE: Supplied.
Kings will take an active role in the events.
“I’m going to be at Rochester Cathedral for two hours in the afternoon and morning each day,” he told Sight. “I will talk about the paintings and read poems. One of the paintings will be the focus of an evening talk each day for example Sarah on Monday, Ruth on Tuesday.”
No matter where the exhibition is held, Kings said it is rare for people to leave it unmoved.
“People are moved by the combination of art, music and poetry. People say it is extraordinary. They might not go to church but they will respond to art, music and poetry. It is interactive and gets people into the building. I have had comments from people saying ‘it has transformed me’.”
