An exhibition of religiously-inspired images have gone on display at a selection of churches.

The ’Awakening’ exhibition features paintings from the Methodist Church art collection, which have been hung on the walls of six different churches across the island.

The project was opened by the Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, at a ceremony last weekend at the Loch Promenade, which was also attended by the Chief Minister Howard Quayle, Chris Thomas MHK and the Mayor of Douglas, Jon Joughin.

The exhibition, featuring more than 50 paintings from artists such as Maggi Hambling, Graham Sutherland, Edwardws Burra and Norman Adams, can be seen at Peel Cathedral, St Andrew’s, in Douglas, and the Colby, Ramsey and the St Mark’s Methodist chapels.

Henry Uniake is one of ther curators of the exhibition, and said that they were lucky to have such a significant collection of works of art on the island.

’The Methodist Church encourage the collection to tour across the country, and we have had the opportunity to have it here, and also to have it shown at many places across the island’ said Henry.

’This is the first time that it has been stretched across such a wide geographical area, amongst so many venues.

’The idea was to incorporate it and involve all the different church communities and the wider field, and not just the Methodist churches.

’Most of them are fairly figurative pieces, and they represent the historical character of Jesus, or in other words, his life as we know it, through his birth, ministry, death and resurrection.

’The artists chosen are from all backgrounds,’ he continued.

’Some would regard themselves as atheist, or agnostic. Some, in later life, may have had some sort of conversion or experience.

’Also, a lot of the pieces were influenced by the two world wars, because the artists either lived through them or had experience of the aftermath of that.’

Henry said the collection involves some paintings that take an unflinching view of religion and morality, and he hopes that they will inspire others to look closely at the world around them.

’This exhibition is not something that is aimed just at the churchgoer,’ he said.

’It is there for anyone to view, regardless of their faiths or beliefs.

’A lot of the paintings make you think. Part of it is the element of listening and engaging with people, and starting discussions about what did you see in that painting, is there anything or any painting that meant something to you, and you are trying to to engage and allow people to communicate their thoughts on what they are experiencing.

’We all consume pieces of artwork every day, through music and lyrics, forms of dance and expression.

’But, when it comes to paintings and observing the images, a lot of people never stop to look or interprate what they are looking at. They say ’oh it is nice and I like it on my wall, it looks pretty’, or ’ I don’t like that’ or whatever.

But a lot of these are difficult to look at. They are not something you would want in your living room.

’There are scenes of crucifixion which are actually quite horrific.’

’Awakenings’ is open to view between 10am to 4pm until Sunday, June 17.