Contemporary Art in Salisbury Cathedral
Visual art is one of the great civilising achievements of humankind.
It can speak to us of the transcendent and of eternal truths, as well
as challenging our perceptions of ourselves and the way we live.
In its creation and presentation, art elicits wonder. It challenges,
probes and inspires. It opens us to hidden meaning and to deep
purpose. Art can speak when words fail.
Jacquiline Creswell, Visual Arts Advisor and Curator
Churches have employed the visual arts
for centuries, to celebrate their faith
and communicate its truth and beauty,
but also to offer a critique of that
faith. They have found that art has the
power to do these things by attracting
and engaging people who are outside
the formal structures of believing or
belonging.
Visual Arts Policy, Salisbury Cathedral
Flare ll by Antony Gormley, 2012
Liminality: Toward the Unknown, 2009
Eight contemporary sculptors interpret the theme of liminality, or transitional space, using Salisbury Cathedral as inspiration.
Themes:• Themes necessary for specific dialogue
• Visual art be may be able to communicate subjects and ideas that are difficult to express verbally
Bruce Munro, 2009/10
Bruce Munro, 2009/10
Two thousand droplets of light suspended in the spire crossing to celebrate the Advent service Darkness to Light. Sixty-nine
water towers, with pitch-activated LED lights transform the cloister when choristers sing among the towers creating an
immersive sound light installation.
Conflux, Sean Henry, 2011
A dialogue between the fragile individuality of anonymous men and women in contrast with the memorials of important historical
figures. We are made equal in the image of God.
Avenue of Champions, Ben Dearnley, 2012
Bronze body casts of nine Olympians – Steve Williams, Louis Smith, Mark Foster and Ade Adepitan among others – to celebrate the Olympic
Games in the UK.
Messenger of the Spirit, Helaine Blumenfeld, 2013
Exploring the idea of angels, the closest representation of pure spirit that humans are capable of encountering. They are spiritual messengers.
Sanctuary, John Maine, 2014
Encourages the engagement with the many meanings and implications of ‘sanctuary’ not least as a place of safety and refuge; mysterious places
created for reflection and contemplation.
Apostles Speaking
in Tongues Lit by
their own Lamps,
Nicholas Pope,
2014
Apostles Speaking in Tongues Lit by their own Lamps, Nicholas Pope, 2014
Placed in the Trinity Chapel for Pentecost, theatre and sculpture united.
Enlightenment and Spirit of
Justice, Power of Words,
Squidsoup, 2015
Enlightenment and Spirit of Justice, Power of Words, Squidsoup, 2015
Celebrating 800 years of Magna Carta, an immersive light installation, inspired by the impact of Magna Carta and a projection of words from
Magna Carta that the audience can rearrange and change.
Outreach and
Community Projects:
• Erlestoke Prison Project
for Magna Carta 800th
anniversary
• Magna Carta banners for
HM Queen’s visit
• Sunshine Project for the
elderly
• Do I Know You,
Susan Francis, about
homelessness
• Faith in Focus,
Methodist Art Collection
• Hundred Hearts, SSAFA for
WW1 commemoration
• Meet the Artist: Ana Maria
Pacheco works with a
group of GCSE art
students
Relationships, Sophie Ryder, 2016
Human and animal forms used as a metaphor to discuss a complex range of human interactions and emotions.
Reflections, 2016
Nine glass artists from around the world are challenged to respond and reflect on Salisbury Cathedral, its spirituality, history and
community.
Reflections, 2016
Nine glass artists from
around the world are
challenged to respond
and reflect on
Salisbury Cathedral,
its spirituality, history
and community.
Star of Bethlehem, Jayson Haebich, 2016/17
A laser light installation with community interaction through an iPad, which allowed the viewer to change the shape and colour of the star.
Dispersing the Night, Ana Maria Pacheco, 2017
The theme is hope, an optimistic attitude, with a belief in the positive side of human nature we can drive the darkness from our lives.
Revelation Threads, Jacqui Parkinson, 2017
Display of textile art created in response to the last book in the bible, Revelation. 14 large panels retell the extraordinary story.
Les Colombes, Michael Pendry, 2018
Les Colombes, Michael Pendry, 2018
The white dove has inspired many with its
innocence and purity; it is a message of
peace and new beginnings. Within the
cathedral, it is a symbol of the holy spirit.
The Miracle Paintings by Stephen Farthing, 2018
From Darkness to Light, 2018
Ladders of Light: a new Constitution for the UK, 2019
Walking Woman, Lynn Chadwick, 2016 Crucifixion, Barbara Hepworth, 2017Walking Madonna, Elisabeth Frink, 1990
Permanent Art
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