In consideration of the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization, Fairfield University is displaying “Holy City,” an interfaith installation by Wilton-based artist Brian Whelan.
“Holy City” is a 9-foot by 12-foot work spread across nine panels that represents the three Abrahamic faiths — Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and Judaism — coexisting with their houses of worship, supporting and uplifting one another. The nontych paiting was first exhibited at Washington National Cathedral in 2016 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
“The university has a rich tradition of celebrating the many faiths of all of its students and we are proud to continue that tradition with the work by renowned artist Brian Whelan, whose studio is in Connecticut,” said Fairfield University Vice President for Mission and Ministry Rev. Paul K. Rourke. “With his depiction of a world in which Christian churches, Islamic mosques and Jewish synagogues exist in harmony, he offers us a revelation of true interfaith coexistence especially poignant in today’s horrifying conflict in the Middle East.”
The exhibition is on display at the John A. Barone Campus Center and is an initiative of the President’s Office that was facilitated by Dr. Philip I. Eliasoph, professor of art history and visual culture, and special assistant to the president for arts and culture.
