The woods are lovely, the mountains are high, the sea is tempting and the sunrise is warm. But, I have a promise to keep, miles to go, more woods to find, mountains to climb, waters to swim in and sunrises to watch before I sleep, because before I fall asleep I need to find home again, before I sleep I want to build home again.
Message from one of the subjects of our Resilience in Clay exhibition
The 19 – 25 July is the 25th anniversary of Refugee Week. This annual arts and culture festival celebrates the contributions, resilience and creativity of people seeking sanctuary. A subject which is of incredible importance to us at Chichester Cathedral and also the ever-evolving community here in Chichester.
The theme for this year’s Refugee Week is compassion, particularly compassion in action. With the world around us changing so rapidly and political movement threatening sanctuary for many, compassion and understanding extended to all is paramount. This year’s campaign places emphasis on the importance of listening and sharing, as well as the power of connection that can be offered within a simple message of compassion and hope.
This sentiment is one which can also be found at the heart of our current summer exhibition. Resilience in Clay is a series of sculptural portraits developed by local artist Kate Viner, that depicts seven individuals who have sought refuge from persecution and built new lives here in Chichester. A moving and powerful collection, each sculpture is paired with a message of strength and resilience provided by the participants.
As a thought-provoking extension to Kate’s work, the subjects of Resilience in Clay have created a remarkable collection of their own artworks which together form a piece called Common Thread. This collaborative assemblage expresses the personal experiences of each participant through words and imagery.
To provide visitors with an entirely immersive experience and further the connection between art and community, we are encouraging members of the public to become part of the project and create their own response to the work they have encountered. This will be displayed alongside the main exhibition, metaphorically bridging the gap between communities and uniting all involved within one common message.
Chichester Cathedral has a long history of providing sanctitude to those who seek it. Our Seeking Refuge Trail takes you on a journey of the Cathedral’s treasured artworks and memorials created by, or in honour of, individuals who sought refuge from conflict, persecution or discrimination as well as those who provided support or advocacy.
One of the pieces on the trail was created by the German artist of Jewish heritage, Hans Feibusch.The Baptism of Christ was commissioned in 1951 and is one of many religious murals completed by the artist. Having fled Germany in 1933 when the Nazi party came to power, Feibusch discovered a life free from fear in Britain.
The trail also shines a spotlight on artist Diana Brandenburger. Brandenburger worked for many years as an Art Therapist for a human rights organisation. Her close work with individuals and families who had suffered persecution influenced the fascinating and moving sculpture on display in our Northern Chapel.
You can find out more about Resilience in Clay and its series of supporting events, including our Seeking Refuge Trail here >>
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