'Cathedral' - Acrylic on Canvas - by Jorandi Kisiku Joseph Randolph Bowers

A powerful and deeply moving work, 'Cathedral' is a study in contradiction. Using impressionist methods to render the familiar form of a cathedral, the artist employs a raw, expressionist palette to explore poignant social justice themes and a landscape of complex, conflicting emotions.

Collection: Continuity Collection
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 45 x 55 x 1.5 cm (approx. 18 x 22 in.)
Year: 2025

Story & Narrative Significance

This piece marks a significant moment in the artist's practice, an intentional study of the Impressionists' treatment of architectural subjects. Depicting the Saints Mary & Joseph Catholic Cathedral from the park across the road in Armidale, the structure is transformed through a deeply personal and expressionist use of colour. Reds of blood and earth tones mingle with deep blues and purples, speaking to a profound and turbulent history.

The painting becomes a powerful reflection on the complex relationship between institutions and individuals, and the contradictions of finding both pain and beauty within spaces meant to be sacred. It is a work born from a long personal struggle, a final reckoning with conflictual feelings. The contrasting lighter tones of orange and ochre suggest a difficult but ultimately hopeful search for resolution and peace.

It is a deeply honest and technically layered painting for a collector who appreciates impressionist skill used to convey profound expressionist feeling.