Current exhibition

13 October – 3 December 2010
Tuesday – Friday 12 – 6pm
Saturday 11am – 4pm
Admission FREE

Wallspace joins forces with Art+Christianity Enquiry to present

Commission:

An exhibition of contemporary art
in British churches

Commissioning permanent works of art for religious spaces has always been a difficult undertaking. Yet, the challenge is still being taken up by cathedral, church, chapel, school and other faith communities. Recently there has been something of a renewal of interest in this area, often led by the artists themselves.

entrance to All Hallows

Wallspace is dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary art dealing with the spiritual and ACE’s mission is an enquiry into the same terrain. Together in this exhibition, we are seeking to highlight current practice in commissioning for British churches.

Much has been written about the ground-breaking efforts of twentieth century church art patronage. However, much of this narrative peters out after the inauguration of Coventry Cathedral some fifty years ago. Commission and the ACE monograph, Contemporary Art in British Churches, take up the story to the present day. Starting with Henry Moore’s remarkable, and at the time highly controversial, altar for St Stephen Walbrook, the exhibition highlights the work of 14 artists who have taken on the challenge of a permanent work for a religious space. We have tried to show preparatory sketches and sculptural maquettes where possible to illustrate the artistic process and the thought and hard work that goes into such an endeavour. Major recent commissions for the Lumen Centre URC church and St Martin in the Fields London, and Tracey Emin’s neon artwork for Liverpool Anglican Cathedral are all represented.

For You - Tracey Emin

We are excited by the fact that this is a snapshot exhibition at a time of ongoing activity in this area. New commissions are in train for a number of our most sacred spaces. At the time of writing, an announcement is eagerly awaited for a major new commission for Chichester Cathedral.

In presenting this exhibition, publishing the monograph, and in hosting a panel discussion on 16 November, we aim to encourage best practice in the future commissioning of permanent works. We hope to inform as wide an audience as possible, to promote debate about the process and to encourage artists to engage with the challenges involved.

Both Wallspace and Art and Christianity Enquiry wish to thank the lenders that made this exhibition possible.

Commission exhibition