The subject matter ranges from spirituality, street and city life, the wilds of Cumbria, people, decay and the Thames. All of the artwork reflects the diversity of the group and how each of us has approached the theme.
Choosing images for an exhibition can be difficult, and I have struggled with choosing photos around slowing down. For me, it touches on spirituality, contemplation, the everyday, and trying to have spaces within the urban environment I live in to allow myself to slow down.
One quote from William Penn I came across close to the opening of the exhibition helped me greatly –
"True silence ... is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment."
This quote touches on what I had struggled with when choosing my photos to submit. It reminded me that the separation between my spirituality, my environment and the everyday is really non-existent. The images I did finally choose to submit (with the kind support and guidance of the other members of the group) were perhaps not ones I had expected to include. However, they do reflect this.
While on the surface street scenes may seem secular, my images allow the viewer to see the more contemplative side of cities, and humanity; to show them that cities have the ability of to slow down, and contemplate. While religious or spiritual buildings allow humanity to focus its spirituality, humanity’s spirituality isn’t restricted to these buildings.
We can find true silence anywhere – we just need to be open to it.
Exhibition Details:
Slowing Down runs until the 1st December at the Mile End Art Pavilion, London, UK
Details: http://artpavilion.info/Slowing-Down-LIP-Exhibition