Displayed in the Chapel’s Refectory, the Triptych is clearly packed with activity and energy, and draws together the rich imagery in the biblical Book of Revelation.
Professor Foster gave an introductory talk – he looked at how Revelation is often consigned to “the theological rubbish-bin” – seemingly just being concerned with power and might. But while he thought that the troublesome text might initially appear divisive – laden with strange concepts, and taking us to a world not our own – it actually speaks to us about holiness in the face of tribulation and perseverance, singing of sings of souls no longer denigrated and dehumanised, and the hope of a new order characterised by justice.
The Professor suggested that the Book needs to wash over us – that we understand it more by fluid immersion than by dry analysis – which, bringing us to the Triptych, is why the artist’s eye is so important and relevant: the painting strives to give voice to the voiceless, and love to the loveless: in a way that words can’t convey.
Before we heard from the artist herself, the Choir sang Edgar Bainton’s ‘And I saw a new heaven’. Based on the Book of Revelation, this was also interesting to hear sung on another level, it being one of the few works from Bainton’s many compositions that has held popularity through to the present day.
Annelies spoke about her inspiration that lay behind the painting: moved in 2010 to paint the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, she soon realised that the entire Book of Revelation was waiting to be read, and she wanted to paint the whole. So the vision was, in one great work, to add colour and substance to what was described, realising that it would take forever to continue with individual illustrations and paintings. Hence the concept of the Triptych.
It is a truly remarkable piece of art – one of those whereby the more you delve deeper, the more you discover. Even her grandson was enthused by the dragon in the bottom corner – proving that art can speak to any one, and in every age.
The event formal finished at 11.40pm – with a free reception then following. Three explanatory videos accompany the exhibit, and these are available to watch in the Chapel Undercroft – along with the opportunity to view other paintings produced by the artist.
Triptych, Tuesday 13th August, St Vincent’s Chapel
The Exhibition remains open – Tuesday 13th - Friday 16th August: 10am - 4pm
Screenings of the video talks are on Wednesday 14th (10.30am, 12pm, 3pm), Thursday 15th (12pm, 2pm, 3pm) & Friday 16th (10.30am, 3pm)
Admission free – donations welcome