Sacred & Profane: A Contemporary Dialogue with Religious Iconography

A Bold Reimagining of Timeless Themes

Halcyon Gallery's audacious new exhibition, "Sacred & Profane," breathes new life into religious iconography. Located at 148 New Bond Street, this dynamic showcase features a compelling mix of established names like Andy Warhol, David LaChapelle, and Robert Montgomery alongside rising stars such as Graceland London and Dominic Harris.

For centuries, religious art has served as a powerful vehicle for moral narratives and spiritual exploration. This exhibition revisits these time-honored traditions, blurring the lines between the sacred and the secular. By reimagining ancient symbols and religious themes through a contemporary lens, "Sacred & Profane" tackles the pressing issues of our time, prompting reflection on spirituality, culture, faith, and modern life.

Mitch Griffiths: A Modern Madonna in the Digital Age

At the exhibition's heart lies Mitch Griffiths' striking oil painting, Shrine (2022). This dramatic piece depicts a modern Madonna crowned with a drone, a potent symbol of unmanned warfare in our digital world. Drawing inspiration from Caravaggio's Baroque style, Griffiths boldly confronts the dangers of social media, environmental threats, and consumerism through the language of religious art.

Exploring the Intersection of Art, Fame, and Mortality

The lower gallery presents a fascinating interplay between the works of David LaChapelle, Graceland London, and a haunting photograph of Andy Warhol captured by LaChapelle in 1986. Warhol's iconic skull silkscreens are juxtaposed with LaChapelle's surreal explorations of celebrity, fame, and mortality. Graceland London's contributions bridge the gap between Pop Art and Christian iconography, further enriching the exhibition's exploration of the sacred and the profane.

Art as a Commentary on Power and Politics

Santiago Montoya's vibrant murals add a unique political dimension. Using banknotes from around the globe, Montoya crafts compelling works that speak to national identity, power dynamics, and political realities. Meanwhile, Robert Montgomery's conceptual sculptures, inspired by church altarpieces, blend sacred imagery with poetic verse, offering a spiritual renewal through contemporary language.

A Kaleidoscope of Classical and Contemporary

Pedro Paricio's dynamic reinterpretations of Old Masters infuse classical motifs with a vibrant, kaleidoscopic style, offering a fresh perspective on traditional religious themes. Digital artist Dominic Harris returns to Halcyon with immersive interactive environments, using technology to engage directly with art history and explore timeless themes of birth, life, and death.

Reflecting on the Significance of "Sacred & Profane"

Kate Brown, creative director at Halcyon, eloquently captures the exhibition's essence:

"At Halcyon, we represent artists whose work interacts with art history in incredibly nuanced and powerful ways, both in homage to the past and as a way to highlight what is distinctive about the contemporary period. In directly addressing our time, their work is incredibly poignant for a modern audience."

An Unmissable Artistic Journey

"Sacred & Profane" opened its doors on February 27th at Halcyon, 148 New Bond Street. This compelling exhibition promises an unforgettable exploration of how artists continue to push the boundaries of religious art, making it profoundly relevant to our modern world. For more information, visit www.halcyongallery.com.