Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light

"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." — Genesis 1:3

Light has long been a symbol of hope, wisdom, truth and renewal. The title Let There Be Light draws inspiration from the opening words of Genesis, where light emerges from darkness, marking the beginning of creation and the promise of new possibilities.

This exhibition explores that timeless symbolism through the simplicity and elegance of black and white. By removing the distraction of colour, artists Zenga Butler and Nita Barca reveal how light shapes form, creates atmosphere and gives meaning to what we see. Their monochromatic works invite us to slow down, to observe more closely, and to discover beauty in contrast—the delicate balance between shadow and illumination.

Beyond its visual language, Let There Be Light also offers a gentle reflection on the human experience. Darkness is something we all encounter, whether through grief, uncertainty, loneliness or adversity. Yet darkness cannot exist where there is light. Even in our most difficult moments, there remains the possibility of hope, joy and renewal if we are willing to seek it.

As Albus Dumbledore wisely reminds us in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,
"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
Those words echo the spirit of this exhibition: a reminder that the light we seek is often already within us, waiting to be recognised.

Through portraiture and studies of the natural world, Butler and Barca each reveal different expressions of illumination, one finding light within the human spirit, the other discovering it in the quiet beauty of nature. Together, their works encourage us to look beyond the surface and celebrate the enduring power of light to reveal, transform and inspire.

Let There Be Light- The Hive Art Gallery