Nadia Malahi displayed this piece of art she created during her university course at the recent exhibition at St Gabriel’s, so I invited her to explain it to us. Rev Sue.
The concept of this piece was based on my journey with Christ. It shows the unhealthy spiritual beliefs I practiced (Eden & the serpent) before my baptism, to seeking out God’s love for strength and resilience against demonic entities.
Moral: When something brings you stress more than satisfaction, then release it and God will fight with you 🙏
Biblical Verse related to my piece:
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19
Picture 1: Garden Of Eden
The first image displays myself as Eve, being tempted by the serpent (Lucifer). Naked and distressed, this symbolises my previous vulnerability towards dark spiritual practices leading me to have a mental breakdown. Little did I know that the unsettling experience would be the making of me.
Picture 2: Turning To Christ, Despite Being Provoked by Lucifer
Secondly, there is me sitting on a rock covered in blood. As seen on the right, you can see I’m being taunted by Lucifer’s demonic face. Despite being distressed, curtains open above me showing a golden moon and stars. I interpreted this symbolism as the start of my faith, before getting baptised and confirmed. The more Lucifer attacked, the more I gradually looked up to the sky knowing that God sees everything whether positive or negative.
Picture 3: Baptism & Empowerment Through Jesus
The third image portrays myself covered up with one hand in the air, the other touching a cross around my neck. A brighter moon (God’s guiding light) shines above my head, as I walk on an ocean. Lucifer’s face (bottom right) cries in disappointment, watching me overpower the waves with fish swimming upwards – a reference to the Ichthys (Jesus Fish), which was used by early Christians as a secret symbol of faith during persecution. Self-doubt has been replaced by self-confidence, finding strength through the storm. A symbol of relief after my baptism.
Picture 4: Embracing Christian Life & Facing Battles
Being a Christian came with many battles ahead. I drew myself in armour because to me, it symbolised Joan of Arc (a Christian role model I highly admired). Reading Joan’s story encouraged me to turn to God, whenever I felt distressed or alone. Holding the sword, my gaze is determined and focused knowing that when all is lost, God will never leave me.
Picture 5: Spiritual Knowledge, Growth & Wisdom
The final scene of my journey shows me actively studying a bible. I walk through a pile of gold moons representing knowledge from the higher power, while a sun looks on, conveying my inner peace and optimism. Dressed formally, I appear self-assured. I slightly gaze up to the sky, as if to make sure I’m on the right pathway. A portrayal of a growth mindset guided by Christ.
Calligraphy: Your Kindom Is Your Kindom
Oblivious, I noticed that I spelt kingdom as kindom. After doing some research, I learnt that in various theological reinterpretations that kingdom can be spelt as kindom, meaning being related to one another. From my perspective, this adds more depth to my piece because I feel it symbolises the strong unity of Christianity and feeling accepted by my church family. Coming together to be inspired by God’s unconditional love.
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 