“In every case the army of light vanquished the powers of darkness on the battlefield of the world…”  ~ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Power has traditionally been associated with words such as control, aggression and domination. But power can also be associated with guidance, release and encouragement. Historically, armies have represented the former definition of power, rooted in military might and conquest. This work asks how we might reimagine an “army” as a movement of light, carrying love, unity, compassion, and peace. Symbolically, the feminine energy is associated with these qualities and additionally, intuition, empathy, and sensitivity, which is why I chose the female form to represent this army of healing. They move forward across pink rose petals, evoking tenderness of heart, openness of spirit, and vulnerability of soul.

The world is in a state of turmoil and everywhere I look I can see systems deteriorating and crumbling, however, I can also see new patterns of relation emerging, patterns of integration, where individuals are releasing their own capacities and those of their communities, to foster connections based on unity and cooperation rather than division and dissension.

Army of Light seeks to express, through artistic installation, and the viewer experience, the power of the human spirit to generate love, shed light and bring healing. Each figure represents a person or place in my own personal Army of Light and is named after a letter of “Army O’ Light”, carrying an intimate thread of meaning from my lived experience.

As for the paintings which adorn the walls, I endeavour, with my art, to bring joy and wonder to hearts. My art lives in the blurring of space between creativity, healing and spirit. For the last several years, I have been focused on translating my paintings into multidisciplinary mediums, including ceramics, dance, performance art, multimedia works, eco art and installations. I see my paintings as a sketch book of ideas and I am hoping to transform the boundaries of canvas into more immersive experiences for the viewers. In this project, it was important to me to not to simply create “painted mannequins” but rather “paintings on mannequins”.

I invite you all to join together with the installation of the Army of Light. Walk amongst them, stand in serried lines, take time to be mindful and allow them to inspire you, as you reflect on your own potential to vanquish the power of darkness on the battlefield of the world.

The Army of Light must seek no rest, must take no thought of self, must sacrifice to the uttermost… “Light as the spirit,” “pure as air,” “blazing as fire,” “unrestrained as the wind” - Shoghi Effendi

~Ania Telfer