The Sacred Life of Water

A Riverfestival initiative presented by the State Library of Queensland

Photographer Anthony Anderton explores the amazing role of water in the beliefs and practices of Brisbane’s diverse multi-faith communities.

Long revered as the essence of life, Brisbane’s diverse faith communities see water as a precious gift that should be used with care. Water cleanses, purifies, blesses, heals, nurtures, sustains, protects and redeems and it establishes powerful, timeless links between cultures, faiths and traditions.

The Sacred Life of Water presents the role of water in the intimate rituals, vibrant religious festivals, celebrations and expressions of faith of more than a dozen Brisbane faith traditions.

This exhibition engages with members of Brisbane’s Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities, including representations of a Catholic baptism, a traditional Hindu rain prayer and the Bathing of the Buddha ceremony.