Ancient graffiti at Chichester brought back to life.
They were carved deep into the cathedral walls hundreds of years ago, now this ancient graffiti has been given new life in a new art exhibition at Chichester Cathedral that explores the possibility of hope in dark times.
Ancient graffiti brought to life in new exhibition at Chichester Cathedral.
This multi-layered, textured artworks by Artist Michèle Griffiths replicates the ancient graffiti that can be seen within the walls of the cathedral.
The collection explores the possibility of hope in dark times: the triumph of light over darkness. The pieces, which Griffiths calls “Wall Fragments”, are in plaster and are highly textured with marks scored into the surface to replicate the aged graffiti that can be seen in the ancient walls of the Cathedral.
The artist, Michele Griffiths, said
“Copying and inscribing these marks, I imagine the hands that first made them, so long ago. It’s like touching the past. Many of the crosses were made by pilgrims to venerate St. Richard. Some are more playful and random, like doodles; others tell of individuals who, like ordinary people the world over, from time immemorial, consciously want to record their presence in a particular place.”
Canon Chancellor of Chichester Cathedral, Reverend Dr Daniel Inman, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Michèle in presenting the Cathedral’s first solo exhibition of 2021. The Artist has taken inspiration from the pilgrim marks which can be found throughout the Cathedral and Cloisters – and it is quite apt that we show this body of work now, as people begin to make trips and pilgrimages to the Cathedral once again”.
Following a career teaching French and German Language and Literature, Michèle Griffiths began her creative education at Putney School of Art, and shortly after gained a space at Wimbledon School of Art (1992-95), training under Michael Ginsborg and the eminent painter Prunella Clough.
Griffiths has exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the Discerning Eye at the Mall Galleries and invited to participate in the Florence Biennale (2019). She has also completed a major commission for P&O’s flagship cruise liner, Britannia, and sells to a number of collectors world-wide.
Darkness Into Light will be shown at Chichester Cathedral from 23rd June to 8th August 2021.
Chichester Cathedral is open Monday – Saturday (10.00am – 4.00pm) and Sunday (12.00 – 2.00pm).
For further information, please visit: chichestercathedral.org.uk
