An exhibition across London in 14 iconic destinations
A pilgrimage for art lovers
Stations of the Cross took place in Lent, 2016. We have left the exhibition's webpage up so that you can continue to explore the exhibition virtually, or visit those works which are on permanent display.
New Stations for a ‘New Jerusalem’
On the day he died, Jesus walked the Via Dolorosa through the streets of Jerusalem, a holy city for Jews, which would later become sacred to Christians and Muslims. Jesus' journey is traditionally commemorated by the Stations of the Cross. Across the chasm of two thousand years, this tortured path resonates with current events for people of many faiths and cultures. In particular, it calls to mind the hazardous journeys of refugees from today's Middle East.
This unique exhibition—held in 14 locations across London—used works of art to tell the story of the Passion in a new way, for people of different faiths. In this pilgrimage for art lovers, viewers travelled across London, mapping the geography of the Holy Land onto the streets of a ‘new Jerusalem.’
The Stations weave through religious as well as secular spaces, from cathedrals to museums. The art on display ran the gamut from Old Master paintings to contemporary video installations. Artists included Christians, Jews, Muslims, and atheists. Instead of easy answers, the Stations aim to provoke the passions: artistically, spiritually, and politically.
On the day he died, Jesus walked the Via Dolorosa through the streets of Jerusalem, a holy city for Jews, which would later become sacred to Christians and Muslims. Jesus' journey is traditionally commemorated by the Stations of the Cross. Across the chasm of two thousand years, this tortured path resonates with current events for people of many faiths and cultures. In particular, it calls to mind the hazardous journeys of refugees from today's Middle East.
This unique exhibition—held in 14 locations across London—used works of art to tell the story of the Passion in a new way, for people of different faiths. In this pilgrimage for art lovers, viewers travelled across London, mapping the geography of the Holy Land onto the streets of a ‘new Jerusalem.’
The Stations weave through religious as well as secular spaces, from cathedrals to museums. The art on display ran the gamut from Old Master paintings to contemporary video installations. Artists included Christians, Jews, Muslims, and atheists. Instead of easy answers, the Stations aim to provoke the passions: artistically, spiritually, and politically.
Endorsements
"For many centuries, the Passion of Jesus has inspired artists to some of their most outstanding work. I warmly welcome this innovative ‘Stations of the Cross’ project, bringing together Catholic, Anglican, and Methodist churches, as well as museums and public spaces around London, to enrich with new artistic endeavour our meditation on the redemptive suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The narrative of the Passion, embodied through these 14 impressive works of art, provides a powerful encouragement to think about not only the suffering of Jesus in this Lenten season, but the suffering of innocent people around the world. I pray that this exhibition will be a great success and wish to thank most sincerely the curators, artists, and institutions who have made it happen."
His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols
“The Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ was a very public event. He was flogged and then taken along the busy city streets within the Walls of Jerusalem to be crucified and it is entirely appropriate these events be commemorated in a public way in the streets of our own global crossroads. Jesus Christ is for all times and for all places and I am grateful to Terry Duffy, Aaron Rosen and their colleagues for clothing the story in striking contemporary dress.”
The Bishop of London, Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres
"These remarkable Stations of the Cross represent an iconic Lent pilgrimage across the landscape of contemporary London. They navigate a journey filled with modern meaning – dispossessed communities, fleeing refugees, displaced identities, and all who suffer injustice and oppression. This is visual art which melts the distinctions between sacred and secular, past and present, material and spiritual, offering up a liminal experience here on the streets of this culturally diverse capital city. Art and Christianity have a wonderful history, and I’m delighted to see this exhibition bring them together in such a creative way."
The Bishop of Stepney, Rt Revd Adrian Newman
"Following in the footsteps of Jesus through the Stations of the Cross has been part of the Christian practice of Lent and Holy Week since the time of the early Church. This particular project is very exciting and supremely interesting, and we are delighted and honoured that it starts at the Chapel of King's College London. We look forward to welcoming all those who wish to participate this Lent, and follow the Stations around London."
The Dean of King's College London, the Revd Canon Professor Richard A. Burridge
Supported by:
We are grateful for additional support from The Worshipful Company of Mercers, Capital Vision 2020 and Art & Sacred Places
Email: Stations2016L@gmail.com
Twitter: @Stations2016L, #Stations2016
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stations2016
Twitter: @Stations2016L, #Stations2016
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stations2016