segunda-feira, 11 de agosto de 2008

St. Paul and the Huia

Esta pintura foi feita por um amigo muito querido que é ministro da Igreja Anglicana em Londres.


Saint Paul is seen holding his letters upon which Saint Paul’s Cathedral is carried. Above him is his tent and on his shoulder an exotic bird. The Huia, an indigenous bird of Aotearoa, New Zealand is clearly not a typical orthodox image but I have included it for an important reason. The Huia, above all other species in the forest, was sacred to Maori. It was believed a gatekeeper to the seventh heaven and was also closely associated with the great chiefs of the land and only chiefs of distinction could properly wear its tail. When it became rare Maori declared it tapu (sacred) but sadly this was not enough to save it as its tail feathers became sought after in Europe as well. The Huia became extinct in the early part of the 20th century. As well as its plumage the Huia’s call was very beautiful. The Huia that sits on Saint Paul’s shoulder reminds us that even though its song has been silenced, we are all still called to listen for the inspired beauty of God’s song found in creation and Holy Scripture. The flowers on St Paul's tent encourage us to smell the sweet scent of heaven. St Paul himself looks directly at you the viewer. He waits to hear what you have to say. His hand which is about to bless points towards heaven and also appears to be waving. The swirling pattern on his right side is the koru. An image inspired by a unfolding fern frond it symbolises eternal life.

Regan O'Callaghan
The artist