Modern art of gospel
A MAJOR new artwork for the city centre of Sheffield was launched this week in its permanent home at the Victoria Hall Methodist Church.
The church commissioned artist Roz Norsworthy, known for very large and powerful works, to paint a dividing screen between the new caf and lounge and the worship area of the church.
Called Faithful City, it consists of eight oil on board panels measuring 40ft by 7ft and depicts the Easter story set in modern-day Sheffield.
"This interpretation was decided upon because it was felt that people sometimes find difficulty in relating what happened 2,000 years ago with their modern-day lives," said the Rev Noel Irwin, minister of Victoria Hall.
"With a new caf area in church and so many people coming in, we wanted folk to see something of the Christian gospel and perhaps relate it to their own lives and places in Sheffield."
Or as the artist, Roz Norsworthy, puts it: "To show that not much has changed." The title Faithful City has a double meaning in that it shows scenes from all the many activities and services that the Vic provides as a city centre mission.
Norswsorthy was keen to show scenes which visitors would recognise within the Easter story. "You can see the crosses on the top of Wincobank Hill in the background," she said.
The artist has ME and found the commission, which took eight months to complete, quite a challenge.
It took considerable help from her friend and carer, Chris Horton, who took her to the relevant locations, moving heavy boards and laying out the paints. His reward is to be depicted as St Peter. Other friends and family modelled for some of the 70 figures that appear in the panels. "I kept blank the faces of people who preferred not to be identified."
"Chris took me to places I couldn't go to on my own, like the soup kitchen at night," explained Norsworthy. "I sketched in situ and then completed the painting at home. It took up a lot of space, we weren't able to shut the bathroom door for months.
"Because of my condition I found it very tiring and because of its size it was very awkward.
"At one time I had to work upside-down because at my height I couldn't reach otherwise."
Faithful City is on view at the Norfolk Street church on Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to midday and during worship times on Sunday, 10.45am and 6.30pm.
Profits from the sale of illustrated cards of the work will go to Sheffield ME support group.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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