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Reflections on War
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Reflections on War
No. of participants: 63
Partners: Walmgate Residents Association (Space 109); The Western Front Association; SSAFA; St Martin’s Church; York Musical Theatre Company; York Carers Centre; Heworth Primary School;
Artists: Helen Burke, Pat Borthwick and Gary Miller
This project received additional funding from the MLA 'Their Past Your Future'
Reflections on War was York Art Gallery's first community curated exhibition and was on display in the Gallery from 25th July to 15th November 2009. All the art work and objects were chosen by members of the public from the collections of York Museums Trust and all the labels were written by members of the public. More than 50 local people, ranging in age from 11 to 93, worked together to curate the exhibition, through workshops supported by songwriters, poets and curators.
Participants considered the extreme circumstances of war and its impact on real lives. From the horror of the battlefield and the tragic loss of life, to stories of heroism and comradeship.
The result was an exhibition filled with personal insight and experience, reflecting on war and conflict since the late 1800s.
From the lessons of the past, we build our hopes for the future.
Participants, YMT staff and the artists worked together to produce creative pieces. They also took on the roles of researchers and curators. These collaborations informed and enhanced the presentation of the exhibition. Two books, one of poetry (Reflections on War) and one of recollections (Their Past Your Future), were produced using an online publisher www.lulu.com/territories. A CD of 10 songs was produced by Gary Miller http://www.garymillersongs.com/reflections-war.php inspired by the project. Working with the congregation of St Martin’s Church on Coney Street, and other people connected to the church, Pat Borthwick created a series of 6 soundscapes telling the story of the church through interviews and ambient recordings. A soundpost in the exhibition played examples of Pat and Gary’s work from the project. On the suggestion of participants from York Carers' Centre, a Peace Tree was placed just outside the exhibition and visitors were invited to leave a thought or hope by writing on a leaf.
During the exhibition, there were a series of public events, including drop-in art workshops led by Kirstie Briggs Bateman over rememberance weekend, where visitors made large, felt poppies. These events were attended by over 200 people.
More than 40,000 people saw the exhibition and of these, over 800 left a message on the Peace Tree.