Beloved, an exhibition bringing suicide and addiction deaths into the light
“Arise my Beloved, my beautiful one, and come”
Antonia Rolls creates art in response to her life experiences.
"In 2023 and 2024 I lost both my sons to suicide, drugs and alcohol, aged 29 and 27. From their deaths came my current project “Beloved, bringing suicide and addiction deaths into the light”. I made a decision to look for the light. “Beloved” does not shy away from the trauma and darkness of such losses but it offers hope, consolation and understanding. Within the paintings are portraits of sons and daughters whose images were sent to me by grieving parents. The Beloveds of the title are those who have already died of suicide, drugs and alcohol. They work in the light to love and care for souls who are dying in this way on earth. The Beloveds look as they did when alive so as not to frighten the suffering soul at the moment of their deaths and take them with such love, care and compassion into the light, telling them that the pain is over, they are safe now, and they are loved. In time, they may choose to join the Beloveds working in the light."
There is no charge to see the exhibition and is available to view during the cathedral general visiting hours.