As Christians we have been brought up with angels in our midst. Angels at the crib, angels in paintings, angels on stained glass windows.  We love angels. They are in our hymns, especially Christmas carols. They are relatable to both genders for they are genderless. We soon become familiar with Angel Gabriel in Fra Angelico's famous painting: The Annunciation. We are particularly fond of Raphael's putti. There they are in Raphael's famous Sistine Madonna,  playing at our heartstrings. Angels are very much part of our lives.

Sandrina England chose angels as the subject of her drawings for her exhibition  because she has always been fascinated by them. Angel Drawings: "I thought I Heard an Angel Sing" was launched just before Christmas and closes on 4 January, 2025.

Mrs Catherine Gonzi who has always been a popular figure because she is so warm and likeable launched the exhibition.  I was very happy to see a woman launching it. It doesn't happen often here. And yet there are so many women artists. This is what Mrs Gonzi said:

"Welcome to this fascinating exhibition described by the artist herself as a testament to the belief that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. The artist explains that these are "paintings that delve into the ethereal and transcendental fragility of life".

The angels depicted in these paintings are not just figments of imagination but, quoting Sandrina again, "they are reflections of the beauty that I envisage in heavenly places". To her, each stroke of her brush draws on the depth of a spiritual journey, inviting us all to explore the realms beyond the physical world.

One of the paintings that struck me personally, is accompanied in the booklet by the quote from Psalm 91 verse 11: "For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways." This verse encapsulates divine protection and guidance. It serves as a reminder of the angelic presence that watches over us and cares for us, daily.

Sandrina explained to me that, as a former teacher, she has always been inspired by the innocence and purity of children. This inspiration is vividly captured in the faces of the angels, which she feels, mirrors the untainted and innocent spirits of the young souls that she once taught. Perhaps this is a good reminder to all of us to explain to our children that Life is made up of beautiful things borne out of our relationships with our family and friends.

It is also a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the beauty of caring for others just like angels care for us.

Sandrina's journey as an artist has been profoundly shaped by her studies in iconography in France. It was there that she honed her skills and moulded her artistic vision, allowing her to bring these celestial beings to life on canvas.

I invite you all to immerse yourselves in this collection, to feel the spiritual essence that each painting embodies, and to reflect on the delicate balance between our earthly existence and our spiritual essence. In times of need or crisis, we all seek protection and guidance.

As we gather during this joyous Christmas season, a sacred time, we are reminded of the nativity scene, where angels played a pivotal role in heralding the birth of Christ. Let these angels remind us of the divine presence that watched over the nativity and continues to offer us solace and protection today.

Thank you for being here and for sharing in this journey of artistic and spiritual exploration. May the peace and joy of the Christmas season fill your hearts."
Father Peter Paul, Parish Priest of Manikata gave us a few reflections and showered the exhibition with holy water. We must remember that Prof. Richard England's first building after his architectural studies in Italy was the church in Manikata, a  commission given to his father which he passed on to his son of around 23 years. For a long time it stood there, in almost splendid isolation, this unusual circular church.  It was nothing like we had ever seen in Malta. I promised myself not to use the word 'iconic' which has now lost it's meaning because of its frequent use. However, it is an iconic church, now unhappily surrounded by other buildings. So Richard England has kept up his ties with Manikata.
Fr Peter Paul Sultana said he particularly liked the angel which had Shshsh on the side and remarked that silence is golden and that we should bear that in mind. He also expressed that the exhibition reminded him of the icon by Andre Ruibliev, The Trinity, which features three angels and gave a blessing.

At one time a pretty little girl sat at the small harp and played a couple of Christmas carols. Her name was Myra.

In her closing speech Sandrina said that the exhibition was not only a celebration of Sacred Art but also a celebration of angelic character traits in some people. She thanked both her parents for their constant support. She also thanked her four children but particularly Christina and Damian, both of them artists who helped in various ways. Her thanks also included those who provided the space for this exhibition at the Dome Visitors Centre in Church street, Mosta, on the righthand as you are facing the dome. (You go through a café and take the lift).

Prof England did not say very much but a simple "Sandrina I am proud of you!" It was enough.

Sandrina not only has art in her blood but has had a very thorough education and has studied at St Martin's College of Art in London  and also in France and Florence.

I, too, have always loved angels and felt very much at ease surrounded by drawings of them. It was a very well attended exhibition.

I went down the lift feeling good Karma. I silently greeted my angel and asked him to make sure that I die in my bed, but not in my sleep. I am sure he is listening. Thank you Sandrina for reminding me of his existence.
Don't miss this exhibition. There is such a good feeling about it.

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Photos: Mario Buhagiar