Epiphany by Richard Walker.  Year: 1942.  Medium: Oil on board.  Size: 70 x 97 cm.

Walker's most important work in Singapore is Epiphany created in Changi during the war. The painting, a study for a mural, was placed behind an improvised altar for holy communion services in the prison. This work was presented to the Anglican Diocese of Singapore after liberation and was recently donated to the Singapore Art Museum. Epiphany, or the thirteenth day of Christmas, celebrates the revelation of Christ to the Magi. Painted in an allegorical style, Epiphany portrays the Virgin Mary as an Asian woman to symbolise the universal truth of Christianity.

-- Channels & Confluences: A History of Singapore Art, ch. 9.

References

Kwok Kian Chow. Channels & Confluences: A History of Singapore Art. Singapore: National Heritage Board/Singapore Art Museum, 1996. Plate 18.

This document is part of a joint project of the Singapore Art Museum and the Honours Core Curriculum, National University of Singapore. This image and accompanying text appears here with the kind permission of the Singapore Art Museum.

Last updated: April 2000