The Sacred Life of Water: Images of the life of water in Brisbane's multi-faith communities

In late 2007, State Library of Queensland presented an exhibition of images taken by photographer Anthony Anderton called The Sacred Life of Water. The exhibition focuses on the role of water in the practices of Brisbane's multi-faith communities. Many faiths revere water as a precious gift to be used with care. Long seen as the essence of life, water cleanses, purifies, blesses, heals, nurtures, sustains, protects and redeems. It serves as a common link between cultures, faiths and traditions.

Statue of the baby Buddha at Southbank, May 2007. From 7718 Anthony Anderton photographs of the Water and Faith communities in Brisbane. In copyright. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image 7718-0001-0012

Blessing the Waters ceremony from the stern of the boat Redcliffe, Queensland, 2007. From 7718 Anthony Anderton photographs of the Water and Faith communities in Brisbane. In copyright. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image 7718-0001-0003

Nineteen photographs from The Sacred Life of Water exhibition can now be viewed online through our One Search. These images include ceremonies and rites from the the Greek Orthodox Church, Thai Buddhists, Taoists, Catholic Church and Jewish communities.