Safe Spaces – An Exhibition by Pallant House Gallery’s Creative Collective

This exhibition is produced by a group of artists who have each created a personal response to Chichester Cathedral and the concept of safety. The work will explore different themes including people, place and presence through a range of media.

 

The Creative Collective grew out of the Pallant House Gallery Learning and Community programme in Jan 2015. It is about learning new skills in an inclusive and supportive environment mirroring the values of the Community programme.

The Collective approached the Cathedral to host the Exhibition as it is considered as an important place for many of the artists. It is a safe space to relax, contemplate, draw and find inspiration, and it provides a safe and atmospheric location for a step into the world of exhibitions. The Exhibition offers an opportunity for the Collective as a group of individuals to respond to the Cathedral in their own unique and individual ways, truly reflecting the values of the PHG Community programme the artists are part of. 

Sixteen artists are taking part using a range of media including watercolours, acrylics, water-based oils, charcoals, clay, inks and pastels. Their work includes drawings, paintings, sculpture and poetry and explores colour, texture and pattern using natural and manmade materials.

Specific themes and subjects within the Cathedral include:

  • A study of the reflections of the stained glass on the floor – layering images and textures
  • People as the Church – contemplations, angels, mother and child
  • Poetry – Arundel Tomb light and reflections
  • Clay and paper mache – hands – protection
  • Animals (life and death), peregrine falcons
  • Work inspired by stained glass – to see and be seen
  • The air force and the Cathedral, before, during and after the War
  • Experiences at the Cathedral – 8 canvases mounted to form a large stained glass window

Chichester Cathedral’s Learning and Engagement Department has worked with Pallant House Gallery’s Learning and Community Programme since summer of 2017 when it piloted 6 creative sessions on a Friday afternoon. This grew into a programme of 8-9 sessions per year over the next two years, using a diverse range of Cathedral features to inspire creative responses in a range of media. 

The Exhibition is free and is open during normal Cathedral opening hours.