The exhibition entitled ‘Hospitality’ features new artworks by 11 Bath Spa University artists, including professional artist alumni, current students and staff from the School of Art and Design.
The artists have been asked by curator and Bath Spa University MA Ceramics graduate, Claire Todd, to create artworks that critically engage with the theme of ‘Hospitality’ and are inspired by, and in dialogue with, the contemporary life of Bath Abbey.
It will be on show inside the Abbey from Tuesday 4th to Friday 28th June.
Commenting on the theme, Claire Todd said: “The works are embedded in the fabric of the Abbey, in familiar and less visible ledges and corners. Worshippers and visitors may seek out certain works and encounter others by chance. In this way we aim to heighten awareness of the single joy of hospitality and space for reflection and to magnify the warm nature of the Abbey as a place of encounter and exchange.”
The artwork will be staged and embedded amongst the daily activities of worship and welcoming visitors in the Abbey. Anyone coming into the building, whatever their purpose, will be able to discover and engage with the artworks as they walk around and it is hoped that the exhibition will heighten their awareness of the Abbey’s own hospitality and welcome.
Alan Garrow, Bath Abbey’s Vicar Theologian, added: “Hospitality is important to us as a church; it is a key part of the Christian message. Having these artworks in unexpected places around the Abbey offers fresh, creative, and sometimes humorous, ways of emphasising a message already spoken by the building itself: there is a space for everyone here. Space is such a precious thing in our lives and in our city. It gives us a chance to breathe, to be ourselves, to encounter God and one another.
“We are grateful to Claire Todd, Bath School of Art and Design at Bath Spa University, and all the artists involved in this project for helping the Abbey to speak this essential Christian message of welcome with such vitality and joy.”
The ‘Hospitality’ exhibition is part of a larger project looking at how visual art in a sacred space can critically raise awareness of space of refuge, space for devotion, common ground and understanding. There will also be an accompanying education programme.
The participating artists are: Dan Allen, Kateland Clark, David Cushway, Marc Le Galle, Carole Pearson, Sarah Purvey, Lyn Snow, Andrew Temple-Smith, Jo Taylor, Claire Todd, Jane Turner, Kate Wilson and Richard Winfield.
An accompanying publication to the exhibition will be available and will include photographs of the artists’ works as well as texts by Alan Garrow, Professor Mike Tooby and Claire Todd. Limited editions of the ‘Hospitality’ publication will be available to purchase from the Abbey Shop.
