A POWERFUL exhibition exploring the human state through a range or materials and perspectives has opened at Salisbury Cathedral.

Brazilian-born artist Ana Maria Pacheco will be displaying some of her new works, alongside major pieces which have brought her international acclaim, in the ‘Dispersing the Night’ exhibition.

Curated by the cathedral’s arts advisor Jacquiline Creswell, in association with Pratt Contemporary, the exhibition aims to look fearlessly into the dark heart of humanity and seek out the light.

As an artist, Pacheco uses her spectrum of talents as a painter, sculptor and print-maker, to expose unpalatable realities and look unflinchingly upon the world for better or for worse.

Curator Jacquiline said: “The theme of the exhibition is hope, an optimistic attitude, and a firm belief in the positive side of human nature along with its power to drive the darkness from our lives.

“Ana Maria’s work makes us aware of our vulnerability as well as illuminating our humanity. It allows us to reflect on the way we frail, brave humans deal with our journey of life, its many contradictions and dimensions of reality – the imperfectability of existence.”

The artwork is an exploration of extremes with works like ‘Study of the Head’ (John the Baptist III) representing the abuse of power and suffering and others such ‘The Enchanted Garden’ alabaster reliefs offering possibility and paradise.

A series of seven polychrome wood reliefs, titled ‘Be Aware’ and depicting the human vices, will make their first public appearance at the Salisbury exhibition.

Salisbury Cathedral Canon Treasurer Robert Titley said: “Light and shadow, the stock in trade of all sculpture and Ana Maria Pacheco’s particular emphasis in this exhibition, are central to the task of Christian faith.

“We celebrate the light that disperses the night but we also discover that meeting God can itself be a dark encounter, not comfortable but full of possibility.”

Dispersing the Night will be open until July 23.