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What happens when art speaks before words do? When words are silenced and replaced by shared experience? That was the spirit of The Universal Language of Art, a multi-faith gathering held by Kingston Interfaith Network and City of Kingston in recognition of the United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week at the Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society, on Sunday, February 1^st 2026.

Guests entered to find themselves surrounded by twelve luminous paintings by Reverend Bhakta Dasa, each one depicting the flower, symbol and sacred words of a different faith, distinct in expression yet a united collection. People moved slowly from piece to piece, reflecting, sharing impressions, and discovering that simply standing together before beauty created an immediate sense of connection, curiosity and quiet common ground.

Flowers of Faith Multifaith Art Exhibition

Once seated, the afternoon opened with a moving tribute to the late Helen Heath OAM, led by Sandy Kouroupidis, Officer of the Faith Communities Council of Victoria. Helen’s husband, Colin, spoke with extraordinary composure about his beloved wife, whose contributions to so many communities were both profound and far-reaching. Helen was an interfaith pioneer employed by many prominent organisations including The Parliament of World Religions Melbourne 2009, The Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV), The Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA), and the City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network. A roaming microphone allowed others in the room to share memories and reflections of Helen and 'Rhubarb' (Helen's interfaith clown persona). It was a tribute filled with dignity, gratitude and love — and it set the tone for the day.

Husband Colin Heath and FCCV's Multifaith Officer Sandy Kouroupidis, lead a tribute to the late Helen Heath OAM

A magnificent Tai Chi performance followed, grounding us in stillness. The intentional, flowing movements created a meditative pause — a reminder that harmony begins within.

Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society's Tai Chi Group

We were then invited into conversation with Reverend Bhakta Dasa, a minister in the Vaishnava Hindu tradition. In conversation with Bhakta, we explored an important question: many interfaith dialogues begin with words, which can become complicated. What changes when we begin with art instead? When we stand before a painting, we are invited to interpret, to feel, to wonder. Art connects without demanding agreement. The shared act of looking creates a quiet meeting place where difference softens and understanding can begin.

Master of Ceremonies, Stephen Chew - Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society (left),
Flowers of Faith Artist, Reverend Bhakta Dasa - International Society for Krishna Consciousness (middle),
Moderator, Maureen Barten - Progressive Judaism Victoria (right)

The second part of the afternoon was a calligraphy workshop led by Master Zhu, a renowned Chinese calligrapher and traditional painter. Without a common language, we communicated easily through sketches, gestures and shared laughter and great enjoyment. Seated at round tables, participants were given calligraphy brushes, ink and paper and learned to write the words “Good Luck” in Chinese. Master Zhu explained that good fortune flows when we act in ways that benefit humanity, the earth and nature. Writing those characters became a collective act of intention.

Master Zhu leads a Chinese Calligraphy Workshop

No multi-faith event would be complete without sharing beautiful foods reflecting the cultures and traditions represented in the room. Conversations flowed easily as we wandered through the gallery, pausing before paintings and simply feeling whatever was stirred.

Attendees from diverse cultures and faith traditions coming together through the Universal Language of Art

Interfaith work sits at the heart of building cohesive community. Australia is richly diverse, and within that diversity lies tremendous opportunity. Creating safe spaces where people can explore, learn and form new friendships brings deep personal satisfaction and collective strength.

Sincere thanks to Mr Stephen Chew, President of the Ze Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society, whose initiative, leadership and generous hosting made this gathering possible. Through partnerships like this, we can continue creating meaningful opportunities for our communities to come together with curiosity, generosity and joy, learning from one another and discovering how much we truly share.

By Maureen Barten

Maureen Barten is the President of Progressive Judaism Victoria, a business owner and an artist. Deeply committed to fostering dialogue, inclusion and connection across faiths and cultures, she uses art as a pathway for building relationships through shared experiences.