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| The Yellow Paintings Series No1 Acrylic on Canvas 46x35cm |
Somewhere, between last Christmas and the New Year, I came across a programme on BBC Radio 4 called "A Bright Yellow Light". I assumed at this time of year, it was a usual Christmas religious broadcast. But, no, this was something very different. It was an extraordinary interview with Nadim Ednan Laperouse, father of the girl Natasha who had tragically died from an allergic reaction, after eating a sandwich containing sesame seeds at an airport cafe in 2018.
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| The Yellow Paintings Series No2 |
I was familiar with the incident. It had gained widespread media coverage and has culminated in "Natasha's Law" being prepared for legislation next year- which insists that all active ingredients are listed on all pre-packaged food.
However, this was the first time that Natasha's father spoke about a very unusual religious experience which occurred as she passed away. He describes, "A strong soft yellow light appeared, like candle light- really intense but not that your eyes would squint. In great detail these five figures like thin people with features like you or I appeared with wings on their backs. I never saw anything like that in my life, I never expected to. I whooshed them all away. It dawned on me she might die. I shouted "It's not her time!" As I did that, they were gone and Natasha died. There was nothing more that could be done."
However, this was the first time that Natasha's father spoke about a very unusual religious experience which occurred as she passed away. He describes, "A strong soft yellow light appeared, like candle light- really intense but not that your eyes would squint. In great detail these five figures like thin people with features like you or I appeared with wings on their backs. I never saw anything like that in my life, I never expected to. I whooshed them all away. It dawned on me she might die. I shouted "It's not her time!" As I did that, they were gone and Natasha died. There was nothing more that could be done."
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| The Yellow Paintings Series No3 |
Nadim Ednan Laperouse goes on to say "Afterwards I know I was meant to see them. I was not a believer at all - someone too full of himself, too arrogant a man really, coming from a business world where people say "I will make myself what I want to be in my own strength". The whole situation showed I was very weak and unable to do anything for my own family. In my lowest moment, that is where God sent the angels for me to see, to tell me that is okay."
He accounts seeing the yellow light a second time - the day Prime Minister, Theresa May mentioned in public his daughters name, Natasha. " I was crying and giving thanks to God. Suddenly the whole room lit up as if someone put the light on, but not normal light. It was this soft yellow light again. It was God saying "I hear you my child". It made me feel , I have a father, someone stronger than me, with no ego like me".
He accounts seeing the yellow light a second time - the day Prime Minister, Theresa May mentioned in public his daughters name, Natasha. " I was crying and giving thanks to God. Suddenly the whole room lit up as if someone put the light on, but not normal light. It was this soft yellow light again. It was God saying "I hear you my child". It made me feel , I have a father, someone stronger than me, with no ego like me".
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| The Yellow Paintings Series No4 |
moving and spiritual in this story which would not leave me after I listened to the interview. From this place, I began the "Yellow Paintings Series" last month. The colour yellow in art often signifies joy, hope and possibility. It symbolises freshness, happiness, positivity and enlightenment. I am reminded of the intense yellows Van Gogh used in his paintings, the transparency of Rothko's colour field paintings and the warmthness of the Eliasson Weather Project - the large sun installation of the Tate Modern in 2003.
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| The Yellow Paintings Series No5 |
As I progressed with the series, I became aware the worldwide coronavirus epidemic was no longer "out there" but now on my doorstep here in the UK. Fortunately, during lock down, I had enough paint and canvas in storage to complete these five small pieces. I write this in self isolation now with mild symptoms. There has never been a time where we need hope for the future and to feel there is a "Bright Yellow Light", shining for each one of us. I hope, therefore, the paintings emanate some positive energy for all of us.
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| In memory of Natasha Ednan Laperouse 2003- 2018 |
The interview of Nadim Ednan Laperouse by Emily Buchanan is available at:
www.bbc.co.uk>programmes
A Bright Yellow Light - BBC radio 4
