29 October to 1 November 2014
Following the success of last October’s giant live spray painting displays in York Minster, street artists Inkie and CBloxx are set to return to the gothic cathedral during the October half term to create two brand new artworks, themed around the Minster’s stained glass.
Once again, the street artists will be working inside the Minster spray painting two large canvases inspired by the Saints associated with York Minster – including St Peter, St William, St Hilda and St Cuthbert – and the cathedral’s huge collection of historic stained glass, with the public invited to watch the artworks develop over four days of the event. The event, called, ‘Saints and Heroes’ takes a very contemporary look at the concept of remembrance, ahead of the centenary Remembrance Day commemorations for the First World War, whilst also preparing for All Saints Day on 1 November.
Inkie is well known in the street-art works (should this be “world”) not only for his collaborations with Banksy, but also as an artist in his own right, with his style of painting using spray paints and marker pens, often featuring women with long flowing hair, in high demand from collectors and celebrities. He was recently invited to decorate a ‘Gromit’ sculpture in his native Bristol which sold for £24,000.
CBloxx is a Leeds-based artist, and has been working with young people – including young offenders – on a number of art projects that will go on display alongside the live painting during the Saints and Heroes event.
“Working inside York Minster last year was a very different experience for us. We used odour-free water-based paints for the first time which enable the public to watch us work without choking on fumes, but they do take far longer to dry, so your technique when working indoors is slightly different to a conventional project,” comments CBloxx. “That said, painting in this great cathedral means that you are surrounded by inspirational art, and this year, with our focus being on art inspired by the stained glass, we’ve got some big shoes to fill. John Thornton, who designed and painted the Great East Window is recognised as one of the greatest medieval artists, comparable to Vermeer, Rembrandt or Van Eyck, just working on a different medium.”
The artists will be working in York Minster each day from 29 October to 1 November from 1.00pm to 4.00pm, and with admission tickets to the Minster valid for unlimited visits for 12 months following the date of purchase, it is hoped that many visitors will return two or three times to see how the works develop.
“I think that is one of the aspects of last year’s event that surprised us – the art was so tantilisingly good that people came back several times to watch how the paintings were progressing, and indeed, returned after the event to see the huge canvases on display in the North aisle during the following week,” comments Helen Moore from York Minster’s outreach team, who is co-ordinating the Saints and Heroes event. “There is a fantastic juxtaposition between this ancient, traditional building and the edgy street art that works so well, and appeals to an exceptionally wide audience, young and old.”
Admission to York Minster, including the Saints and Heroes event, is £10.00 for adults, £9.00 for concessions and free for accompanied children, with tickets valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. York residents get in free with a valid York Card. For more details, please visit www.yorkminster.org
