ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

2024

Angelico Art Award 2024

Finalist  

Acrylic on Canvas

457(W) x 914(H) mm

The theme of love in this painting revolves around our Lord’s prayer, a prayer of perfect and unconditional love that God’s incarnate Son taught us. When we pray the words ‘Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth, as it is in Heaven,’ we are called to collaborate with God in establishing His kingdom here on earth, a reflection of heaven’s perfection. Here on earth, we are called to become what we receive in the Eucharist: His mystical body. By living ‘Christ-like’ lives and doing God’s will in the city where we live, we manifest the love of God to others, bringing a glimpse of heaven’s kingdom to those around us.

In this painting, the Singapore skyline portrays our earthly residence where we journey as pilgrims. Her reflection evokes the restored Garden of Eden, symbolizing our longing for a restored relationship with God and the hope of returning to a state of grace in our eternal home.

Amidst the trials and challenges depicted by the dark, fiery clouds in the painting, we must view our earthly journey through our eyes of faith. Knowing that God lovingly watches over us, we find strength and comfort in the Lord’s Prayer. It teaches us to embrace God’s will and trust in His daily provision. His unwavering love acts as a guiding beacon, illuminating our path through life’s storms for He is the “Light of the World” (John 8:12). As we navigate challenges and life’s choices, we are called to seek the things that are above. And basking in His unconditional love for us, we remember His words: “Let your thoughts be on things above, not on the things that are on the earth” (Colossians 3:2) as we built the city of God, “On Earth as it is in Heaven”.