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Let me introduce you to a fantastic newly published coffee table read, that happens to contain my own art work and would make a fabulous Christmas present for anyone!
This book houses over 60 pieces of original art that were entered into the Chaiya Art Awards exhibition this year at the OXO Gallery, London. Each artist searching for a way to reply to this challenging title, telling their unique visual story, making their own observations and response. As the blurb on the back of the book says: “Don't expect answers but rather a multitude of original and provocative responses that will draw you further into the mystery of just where is God in our 21st -century world.” Who could want for a more stimulating, conversation starting, visually fascinating & inspiring book?! Wealth of variety What I love about this publication is the wealth of variety, both of opinion and of art medium (which is also what I loved about the exhibition it seeks to celebrate). There is such a rich diversity within these pages. From printed velvet to video, ceramic to acrylic, neon signs to sculpture, photography to fibre, installation to glass and so on. As an artist selected to take part in the exhibition, I can honestly say that I was as excited about seeing the interpretations and visual ponderings of my fellow artists on this compelling brief, as I was to see my painting on the wall in the OXO Gallery! This accompanying book helpfully structures the themes that organically rise out of the collection of artwork, gently inviting the reader into each part of the conversation, making the content easily accessible and perfect for dipping in and out of. A picture speaks a 1000 words The art within this book should not be rushed, it deserves ones time and attention... yes I know that I'm one of the artist's so I would say that but... each creation is a door to be opened, a room to be explored. Creativity has the potential to communicate in ways that words fall short, and spans the normal barriers of age, intellect and language. The question of 'Where is God in our 21st Century World?' is relevant to all. They say a picture speaks a 1000 words and this book has such an engaging array of visual responses that the images themselves create an almost audible dialogue if you 'listen' carefully enough! Making it suitable for anyone to browse whatever age, whatever faith, whatever language. Empowered to join the conversation
I took my 3 daughters along to the exhibition in March. The older two, with their drama backgrounds, were drawn immediately to the unsettling installation called 'Left Out'. However my youngest girl's favourite part was an interactive desk inviting the public's own artwork, communicating that their art, that their voice, was welcome too. Here we found this picture (on the right) by a previous visitor, which I feel inadvertently became a significant addition to the show as a whole.
The theme of the exhibition and book, and the assortment of creativity, announces that there is no set way to express ones opinion within art. They help towards breaking through the boundaries of what art should look like, what art is for and what it's capable of. That art can speak without using words - sometimes it shouts, sometimes it sings and sometimes it whispers in your ear. Such a wealth of types of expression empowers others to believe that their own creativity and opinion is valid, is relevant, is invited and matters. Creativity can give us a voice when we otherwise struggle to find the words to say. A dangerous question? This book and this exhibition asks a daring, some would say dangerous question, which historically has caused division, anger, apathy and offence, yet Chaiya Art has managed to forge it's own path - an achievement to be celebrated. People of different faiths, different backgrounds, different passions are joined, are embraced, respected and invited to face together this fundamental, this bottom line question of 'Where is God?'. This publication may have a lot of nice pictures in it but there is much more to this book than meets the eye!
My painting 'In the detail' - on the wall in London and in this fabulous book  If you are interested in applying for the next Chaiya Art Awards competition, they will be announcing the theme in Easter 2019 and then the competition exhibition will be held Easter 2020. Please sign up to their website if you want to be kept informed. This blog post is written as part of a blog tour, marking the official launch of this stunning art book by Ann Clifford, “Where is God in our 21st century world?”, recently published by Instant Apostle. See links to the other posts on the Chaiya Art Awards Twitter Page.
#IsGod21
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