Es Devlin unveils historic installation in support of UNHCR
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Es Devlin unveils historic installation in support of UNHCR
Artist Es Devlin reveals a large-scale choral work, CONGREGATION, in partnership with UNHCR, on display at St Mary le Strand from October 3 to 9, 2024.
Renowned artist Es Devlin has unveiled a monumental choral installation titled CONGREGATION in support of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). This work, created in collaboration with UK for UNHCR, will be exhibited at St Mary le Strand from October 3 to 9, 2024. Curated by Ekow Eshun, the installation was developed with King’s College London and The Courtauld. Emma Cherniavsky, Chief Executive of UNHCR UK, expressed her admiration for Devlin: “We are honored to work with Es Devlin. CONGREGATION allows refugees to share their stories with London in a new way.” The installation will feature chalk and charcoal portraits of 50 refugees, projected onto a multi-level structure, accompanied by choral music. Public performances will take place daily at 7 PM.
Photos : Daniel Devlin/UNHCR/DR
A unique artistic process
In an interview, Es Devlin explained her inspiration: “I wanted to understand why we haven’t provided the same support to refugees from countries like Syria and Sudan as we have for those from Ukraine. This project aims to bridge that gap.” Es Devlin draws inspiration from Lucian Freud’s sketchbooks and The Courtauld’s portrait collection to create her works. She spends the first 45 minutes of each drawing session without knowing her subject. After this period, the subject shares their story, and the drawing resumes. With CONGREGATION, Es Devlin aims to bridge the gap between perception and reality, inviting the public to deeply engage with the stories of refugees. The installation promises to be a powerful testament to the resilience and humanity of those forced to flee their homes.
Photos : Daniel Devlin/UNHCR/DR
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