Overlooked - Stations of Water, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London - extended until 28th October

Overlooked, 2017
The painting triptych, Overlooked, made up of Reflective Hope, Wish/Cleanse, and Reveal, gains its inspiration from the physical properties of water - transparency and reflection.

Image credit: Graham Lacado 

Image credit: Laurin Gutwin

The two paintings, Reflective Hope and Wish/Cleanse displayed on the panelled stone walls are images of visitors that Alex may have seen while visiting the cathedral. One, a member of the public/congregation grasping a momentary pause, possibly listening to clerical words shared, while the other, a tourist, listens, to an informational audio guide on his walk-through of the space. Both instances allude to St. Paul’s daily use.

Image credit: Laurin Gutwin

Alex is also aware that despite St Paul’s holding a position and physicality of vastness, a symbol of immensity, it also serves as intimate personal space for the individual; allowing people to bring their personal concerns forward. Thus, the final, more hidden work, Reveal, hangs close to the former works, beneath the neighbouring roundel. Suspended between the ground floor and the crypt, the painting hangs in opposition to the previous subjects. Together they look eastwards towards the apse, they ‘give their backs’ to the piece below.

Reveal, drifting above the laid tombs, honoured heroes of news serves a painted, narrative association to current global social/political concerns. Is this an innocent that our contemporary, global waters have washed up from fleeing political struggle? Do we offer our backs to such a need?

Image credit: Graham Lacado

Image credit: Graham Lacado

The artist would like to thank The Eaton Fund, who helped support the making of these works. www.eaton-fund.co.uk

For more information about the exhibition and Just Water 2017 campaign please visit St.Paul's Institute's website