Art Space, St Marylebone Parish Church 25th April – 29th May
In an extensive new exhibition of paintings, sculptures, textiles and glass work, art collective SLWA explore the need for empathy, loving kindness and a fairer society.
The exhibiting artists are Caroline Arno, Carry Hornby, Dil Vahidova, Emma Eden, Heidi Seetzen, Kay Davies, Michelle Baharier, Paola Minekov, Raechel Tullett, Tanaz Assefi, Veena Scialo and Virrgo.
From sensitive portraits to dramatic abstracts and enchanted landscapes, ‘Compassion’ hints at stories close to the artists. Some are serenely biblical, others evoke ancient magic.
Artist Carry Hornby says of ‘Glowing Wisdom’, found below, ‘This painting presents as a source of strength to all who are going through life’s valleys and think there is no way out. The words of wisdom will come to you and guide you through the dark path into the light if you seek for it.’
Glowing Wisdom by Carry Hornby
Chairwoman Michelle Baharier, whose hair is as colourful as her visceral paintings, is a disability activist with lived experience of disability. In ‘How do I Make You Feel’, image below, she invites us to show compassion for others. ‘I am a disabled woman, people often move away from me when I tell them I experience mental distress. I am dyslexic and I have a damaged spine. “How do I Make You Feel” is about that fear people show me via their eyes, as they jump backwards.’
Michelle is ‘fighting to make the world a more inclusive place for all’, and this commitment to compassionate activism is shared by several exhibiting artists, including Tanaz Assefi. When Tanaz isn’t creating dreamy, enigmatic pictures, she’s advocating for Iranian women and running art therapy workshops across London.
Kindness by Tanaz Assefi
In ‘Sirhan’, Emma Eden immortalises a friend who has devoted his life to caring for his mother. Sometimes compassion is complex; she feels ‘compassion for his compassion, as much as anything’.
Sirhan by Emma Eden
In her digital portrait ‘Dispersed’, Paola Minekov captures the feeling of anticipation and hope that comes with the thought of a future full of possibilities. She says, ‘I wanted to convey a sense of hope and optimism and a timeless representation of life’s fragility and beauty.’
Dispersed by Paola Minekov
‘Overcoming’ by Veena Scialo was created at a time when a record number drowned while attempting to flee Syria and other areas of conflict. This remains an issue today. Above the horizon we see a chain of hands forming a bridge of compassion, a symbol of humanity reaching out and supporting one another.
Overcoming by Veena Scialo
Well worth a visit, ‘Compassion’ is an engaging exhibition that leaves the viewer with much to think about!
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