Saint Sebastian is a figure who has inspired artists across generations. A Roman soldier who secretly converted to Christianity, he was persecuted for his faith by being shot with arrows. There are 14 depictions of Saint Sebastian in the London National Gallery’s collection, by artists from the Pollaiuolo brothers to Gerrit van Honthorst.

Ming Wong, the 2025 Artist in Residence at the London National Gallery, continues this tradition with a new short film and installation based on the story of his martyrdom.

Wong’s film, called Dance of the sun on the water | Saltatio solis in aqua, draws on paintings of Saint Sebastian and the landmark film ‘Sebastiane’ (1976) by British filmmaker Derek Jarman, setting the story inside the National Gallery itself.

Like Jarman, Wong brings together objects and ideas from different periods of history. The film features a variety of references from the Renaissance to the present to reimagine the life of this iconic saint.

Witty, experimental and visually exquisite, Dance of the sun on the water | Saltatio solis in aqua powerfully asserts how stories of martyrs resonate today.

www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/past/the-national-gallery-artist-in-residence-ming-wong