Art and prayer combine in unique exhibition at Norwest Salvos
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
BY LAUREN MARTIN
An ‘art and prayer exhibition’ being held at Norwest Salvos Rouse Hill in north-west Sydney is showcasing the artwork of retired Salvation Army officer Major Topher Holland.
Event organiser, retired Major Colin Daines, said he was inspired by attending a Baptist Church art exhibition last year, which enabled him to encounter God in a unique way.
As prayer team leader at Norwest Salvos Rouse Hill, he approached leadership with the idea of a prayer weekend with a difference.
‘Behold – an Art and Prayer Exhibition’ opened yesterday (Thursday 30 July) at the corps and will run until tomorrow afternoon (Saturday 1 August).
It features the artwork of Topher, with captions and prompts that encourage people to pray and seek what the Lord wants to say to them during their experience.
“We are hoping people will take the time to wander, pause and linger. There will be 18 to 20 pieces to have a look at in total, with captions to read, to reflect, parts of Scripture, and some seats to sit in if you want to sit and pray,” said Colin.
“For me, it is important because I really felt that this is a way we haven’t explored prayer in our setting before. What does the Holy Spirit say to us through art?”
Topher says it’s the first time his works have been exhibited: “It gives me great joy in working on my artworks called ‘Behold Drawings’. I want people to reflect on the art and see what the drawing’s story is. I believe that ‘eyes that look are common, but eyes that see are rare’.
“I hope people have a fresh and renewed encounter with Jesus and they’ll see things.”
He said his creative process involves praying throughout his work. One drawing in particular, a painting of Jesus, made him “become more aware that Jesus is consumed with passionate, unconditional love for me. I know the power of eye contact, and I experienced again the depth of Jesus’ love for me. So that’s what happened to me.
“I want people to see what’s in the drawing and then reflect on that.”
Miracle in the midst
One separate artwork will feature the story of organiser Major Colin Daines, who, late last year, became seriously ill and underwent delicate brain surgery. His family, corps, and connected Christians prayed for a miracle. He survived.
The story of his encounter with God during his recovery has been depicted in an artwork by a family member.
“When I was in hospital in my comatose state, I had a spiritual experience through a number of visions,” said Colin. “God said to me, ‘I’ve got more to show you.’ One of the visions was of me floating on my back on these sort of waves, and having a funnel in my chest and all this stuff coming into me. And it was images of prayers and people and God’s blessing.
“When I woke up, I could not hold back the tears of heaven. These visions continued through the operation and recovery, assuring me of God’s presence. He had my attention. He orchestrated the physical healing miracle and a new spiritual experience. Heaven came down, and glory filled my soul.”
A variety of works are on display at the exhibition.
Colin said that since then, his prayer life has deepened. “I think my relationship with God is much less in the head and more in the heart. The spiritual world and how God works in that, while it’s still a mystery, is real, and I experienced it.”
He said the ‘Behold’ exhibition this weekend is one way that people can experience God outside of the ‘intellectual’. “I’m hoping that people will look for what God is saying through that art, look at not only just the artist, but the God behind it, and see and hear what the Holy Spirit might be saying to them.”
‘Behold – Art and Prayer Exhibition’ will be held at Norwest Salvos Rouse Hill, 6a Edwards Road, Nelson, from 30 July to 1 August, 10am–5pm Daily. Entry is free
