Paintings by Maciej Hoffman together with works by commission4mission artists were on show in Chelmsford Cathedral as part of an exhibition entitled Deconstructing c o n f l i c t during One World Week. Hoffman is a Polish artist whose work is concerned with the trauma of all individuals and peoples who have suffered - and continue to suffer - worldwide. He says that he "views his art as both a means of self-expression and a way of engaging in public discourse, depicting contrasts, emotions and powerful human experiences."
The Revd. Canon Ivor Moody (Vice-Dean, Chelmsford Cathedral) said, "We wish to use the interest, challenge and impact of art to draw people from our differing communities into genuine dialogue with each on the basis of the real issues each of us face. These events bring issues of justice and peace to the centre of local family, school and community life."
A fascinating inter-faith lecture by Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE, founder of the Muslim-Jewish Forum which seeks to build bridges between Muslim and Jewish communities, was held on Tuesday 22nd October in the Chapter House of the Cathedral. Beginning with a BBC film on the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum, Rabbi Gluck spoke about his family history, his work with the Next Century Foundation through which he has played a significant role as a mediator in conflicts as diverse as the Sudan and former Yugoslavia, as well as reflecting on the work of the Muslim-Jewish Forum. Rabbi Gluck first met Maciej Hoffman in Poland and has been a strong supporter of Maciej's work ever since, so it was particularly appropriate that he should be able to deliver this lecture as part of the programme of events for the Deconstructing c o n f l i c t exhibition.
These events were organised by Chelmsford Cathedral, commission4mission and the Mid Essex Inter-faith Forum, with the support of the Big Lottery Fund, to inspire, inform and encourage more people of diverse backgrounds to come together to explore shared values and take action to build a just, peaceful and sustainable world. Our aim was to challenge stereotypes which cause conflict and empower people to live and advocate peaceful lives.
Inspire: art as spiritual exploration
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Inspire: art as spiritual exploration is a commission4mission exhibition at St Stephen Walbrook from 18th – 29th November (10.00am – 6.00pm, closed 24 November). Among the artists exhibiting are: Ross Ashmore, Ally Ashworth, Hayley Bowen, Harvey Bradley, Christopher Clack, Anne Creasey, Valerie Dean, Jonathan Evens, Clorinda Goodman, Alan Hitching, Mark Lewis, Pouka, Caroline Richardson, Janet Roberts, Francesca Ross, Henry Shelton and Peter Webb. Parish priest, Peter Delaney will also exhibit his work as part of the show.
A Private View will be held on the evening of Monday 18th November from 6.00pm – 8.30pm and will include a welcome from The Venerable Peter Delaney MBE. All are welcome.
Christmas cards
commission4mission is producing Christmas cards for the first time this year featuring designs from our artists in a variety of media and styles.
Artists contributing 11 different designs include: Hayley Bowen, Harvey Bradley, Mark Lewis, Henry Shelton and Peter Webb.
The cards will be available either in packs of ten and as single cards and can be ordered by emailing to cform@btinternet.com or by visiting the Inspire exhibition at St Stephen Walbrook.
