Newsletter 19 - November 2013

Deconstructing c o n f l i c t

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

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.

 

'Deconstructing c o n f l i c t' videos

Maciej Hoffman has posted two videos of the recent Deconstructing c o n f l i c t exhibition. One focuses on Maciej's own work and the other on that of commission4mission artists. If you weren't able to see the exhibition for yourself, these videos are the next best means of appreciating the show and the issues it explored.

Click here and here to see the videos.

Deconstructing c o n f l i c t was supported by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding, which is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery.

'Deconstructing c o n f l i c t' and the Church Times

Among the news items in today's edition of the Church Times is a photo from our Deconstructing c o n f l i c t exhibition at Chelmsford Cathedral. The photo shows 'Statistic Death', one of Maciej Hoffman's large, dramatic works which graphically depict the reality of suffering and pain caused by conflict.

Lecture: Deconstructing c o n f l i c t

Following a drinks reception in Chelmsford Cathedral for the Deconstructing c o n f l i c t exhibition, a multi-faith audience heard Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE give a fascinating lecture on his experience of Muslim-Jewish relations.

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.

When he received his OBE, the Queen described his work as amazing and that is an accurate description of the significant work that this charming, humorous and dedicated man has undertaken both here and abroad.

Rabbi Gluck has said of the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum:

"Prior to setting up the Muslim-Jewish Forum in 2000, I had spoken to many people regarding the logic of the two communities cooperating on issues of common concern. Whilst everyone was very polite and listened carefully, they felt that it was a nice dream, but somewhat removed from daily reality.

Today, Thank G-d, this has become much more mainstream. Whilst we are two independent and different communities, and there are many important areas of differences between us, there is a much greater awareness of the positive benefits that result from our joint efforts and constructive engagement.

There are sadly still many areas of tension between members of our communities. But considering the major achievements of the past 12 years, we are greatly encouraged that, whilst retaining our unique identities, even greater harmony can be achieved in the years to come, with real benefits for us and for future generations."

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.

Deconstructing c o n f l i c t exhibition

Paintings by Maciej Hoffman together with works by commission4mission artists are on show in Chelmsford Cathedral this week (21st - 23rd October, 7.45am - 9.00pm, ending 3.00pm on 23rd) as part of an exhibition entitled Deconstructing c o n f l i c t for 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.”

 

commission4mission artists whose work features in the exhibition are: Ken Ashby, Hayley Bowen, Harvey Bradley, Jonathan Evens, Mark Lewis, Pouka, Henry Shelton, Joy Rousell Stone and Peter Webb. 

 

The Revd. Canon Ivor Moody (Vice-Dean, Chelmsford Cathedral) says, “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 will bring issues of justice and peace to the centre of local family, school and community life."

 

An inter-faith lecture by Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE, founder of the Muslim-Jewish Forum which seeks to build bridges between Muslim and Jewish communities in the UK and around the world, will be held on Tuesday 22^nd October in the Chapter House of the Cathedral.

 

These events have been organised by Chelmsford Cathedral, commission4mission and the Mid Essex Inter-faith Forum 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 is to challenge stereotypes which cause conflict and empower people to live and advocate peaceful lives.

Deconstructing c o n f l i c t

 

 

'Burning Heads' by Maciej Hoffman

 

'The World In Despair' by Pouka



'Conflict Kid - Fun Future's Resort' by Hayley Bowen



'Agony' by Henry Shelton

'Drawer from The Cabinet of Sin & Salvation' by Jonathan Evens

 

Deconstructing c o n f l i c t is an art exhibition that will be held in Chelmsford Cathedral on 21^st - 23^rd October 2013 (7.45am – 9.00pm, ends 3.00pm Wednesday) and will feature expansive expressionist paintings by Maciej Hoffman supplemented by related work from commission4mission artists. Among commission4mission artists contributing work will be Hayley Bowen, Harvey Bradley, Jonathan Evens, Pouka, Henry Shelton, Joy Rousell Stone and Peter Webb. 

 

Maciej 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. Hoffman “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.” He has said that the subjects which interest him are those "issues that puzzle us throughout the years, forming our way of looking at the world, changing us."

 

Hoffman's work has been the focus previously of conferences and events on themes of conflict and resolution in the UK and Poland, including exhibitions such as: Art of Reconciliation 2012 - Edith Stein Centre, Wroclaw Poland; Blue Line Holocaust Memorial Exhibition 2012 - Town Hall, Barry; Journey Line 2011 - Town Hall Wroclaw; and Journey Line 2010 - Oxford Chabad Society.

Deconstructing c o n f l i c t

Deconstructing c o n f l i c t is an art exhibition, an inter-faith lecture and an opportunity to engage with the aims of One World Week by bringing together people of different faiths and backgrounds from across Essex to share concerns about the causes of conflict, hear others' points of view and acknowledge shared values.

The art exhibition will be held in Chelmsford Cathedral on 21^st - 23^rd October 2013 (7.45am – 9.00pm, ends 3.00pm Wednesday) and will feature expansive expressionist paintings by Maciej Hoffman supplemented by related work from commission4mission artists. Maciej 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.

The keynote speaker for our inter-faith lecture is Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE, founder of the Muslim-Jewish Forum which seeks to build bridges between Muslim and Jewish communities in the UK and around the world. The lecture will be on Tuesday 22^nd October, 7.30pm, in the Chapter House of Chelmsford Cathedral. A drinks reception will be held in the Cathedral from 6.00pm for those wishing to view the exhibition prior to the lecture.

These events have been organised by Chelmsford Cathedral, commission4mission and the Mid Essex Inter-faith Forum 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 is to challenge stereotypes which cause conflict and empower people to live and advocate peaceful lives.

Maciej Hoffman 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.” His work has been the focus previously of conferences and events on themes of conflict and resolution in the UK and Poland, including Holocaust Memorial events.

Dr John Rees (Mid Essex Inter-faith Forum) says: “The Chelmsford Jewish Community (CJC) is small in number but large in spirit and energy. I am certain that the Art Exhibition during One World Week will hugely affirm the CJC in its worship and tradition, and, not least, in its struggle, corporately and individually, to cope with the legacy and nightmare memories of unspeakable horrors both past and most recent.”

Sidra Naeem (Islamic Representative, Mid Essex Inter-faith Forum) says: “Muslims can feel very isolated and excluded due to the negative portrayal of Islam in the media resulting in Islamophobia. Members from the BME communities have often come across race/hate crime or have taken refuge in the UK due to horrific conditions in their own countries such as poverty, war, persecution, genocide or oppression due to government and politics. An art exhibition depicting these issues would greatly benefit members from the BME sector as well religious groups, including Muslims, as it would assist in the recovery process as well as raise awareness of these issues in the wider community. It would also help them to come to terms with the problems they have encountered in their lives.”

The Revd. Canon Ivor Moody (Vice-Dean, Chelmsford Cathedral) says, “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 will bring issues of justice and peace to the centre of local family, school and community life. We will take this message into schools by linking it to a schools art exhibition which follows immediately after Deconstructing C o n f l i c t at the Cathedral.”

Our approach builds on the success of previous Mid Essex Inter-faith Forum One World Week events and the unique combination of art, presentations and debate which Maciej Hoffman has initiated in previous exhibitions such as: Art of Reconciliation 2012 - Edith Stein Centre, Wroclaw Poland; Blue Line Holocaust Memorial Exhibition 2012 - Town Hall, Barry; Journey Line 2011 - Town Hall Wroclaw; and Journey Line 2010 - Oxford Chabad Society.

Recent reviews: Jonathan Evens

Jonathan Evens has recently had a book review published by the Journal of Theological Studies and an exhibition review by the Church Times.

His book review is of: Bridge to Wonder: Art as a Gospel of Beauty. By CECILIA GONZALEZ-ANDRIEU. Jonathan Evens The Journal of Theological Studies 2013; doi: 10.1093/jts/flt004

Bridge to Wonder is described by its publisher as proposing "a method of theological aesthetics allowing readers to mine the depths of creative beauty to discover variegated theological truths that enable greater communion with each other and the One source of all that is beautiful." Cecilia González-Andrieu is Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University and has been described as a promising young Catholic theologian.

His latest exhibition review was described by the Church Times as follows: "Our arts coverage features a Polish painter, Maciej Hoffman, engaged in a quest for spiritual freedom, having experienced the ups and downs of communism and capitalism and found them wanting."

For other earlier pieces by Jonathan in the Church Times, click here. His earlier book reviews for the Journal of Theological Studies can be found by clicking here and here.

Members' update: Nadiya Pavliv Tokarska

Nadiya Pavliv Tokarska is exhibiting at the Edith Stein House in Wroclaw, Poland, this weekend as part of a fascinating weekend of events. The Edith Stein Society is inspired by the diversity of Edith Stein to create a space for cooperation, dialogue and development that shapes an active and responsible society.

Tokarska Gallery update

The Tokarska Gallery is seeking entries for a Group Show at the Gallery during 14 - 24 February 2013.

In 2008, the world reached an invisible but momentous milestone: For the first time in history, more than half its human population were living in urban areas. It is estimated that the next few decades will see an unprecedented scale of urban growth. Living in the city is a fact of modern life. From the rich architectural and cultural heritage, vibrant demographics to long commutes and large crowds, life living and working in a city takes on different dimensions.

Cities influence their residents in many ways. Some see them as ever-changing complex urban systems, yet some see them as captivating fragments of our existence. This show will give artists the opportunity to express themselves creatively through their interpretation of the given theme. For more details visit the gallery website: http://tokarskagallery.co.uk/citiesalldimensions.


The new exhibition at the Gallery, which opens today, is of paintings by the Polish artist, Maciej Hoffman.   Janusz Golik has said of this artist's work: “What is striking in Maciej Hoffman’s paintings is particularly their pugnacity. It is the courage in the way he operates with the color, material and texture. This pugnacity is valuable as it is courageous. There is the directness. There is not a moment of reflection about whether it is right or wrong. There is a human impulse. The painting speaks for itself. That is the force that convinces us, the viewers, that the artist knows what he is doing. His paintings are‘intercepted’ by the viewers. I observe it in the gallery. This pugnacity, this impetuousness, this revolt is like a conquest of man. There is no manipulation, calculation or smuggling of anything. This is how I see it.”

The Gallery is also currently running a juried open art competition leading to an exhibition for children and young people. Called 'Drawing the Culture' details can be found by clicking here.