Stations of Cross - Hamilton Easter Art Exhibition

Some background info on 'Stations of the Cross':

Over Easter time, a number of churches in the Hamilton/ Auckland area pulled together (with a number of contributors from folk in Gateway) to put on a 'Stations of the Cross' exhibition in an events hall in the town centre. Organised by YFC (Youth For Christ), this was its second year in Hamilton having been modelled on a exhibition in Auckland.

Bascially consisting of a series of pictures and installations representing the scenes in the Passion of Christ, each corresponding to a particular incident or scene. Particularly contemporary in approach - being very expressive and passionate drawing on both visual and audio senses. Some of it was quite intriguing, revealing and hard-hitting with the intention of really drawing in and capturing the heart and attention of the audience.

Above are photos taken using the low quality camera on my palm-pilot of some of the artwork/ installations on show - unfortunately not doing justice to the quality of work on show ... but providing a taste and flavour all the same.

The exhibition was open to the public (including lots of school parties) during the week leading up to Easter. And being high in quality, pretty post-modern and low on cheese, as well as being well advertised on the radio and in the press - meant quite a lot of non-churched people made the effort to attend it.

'Stations of the Cross' has been taking place for centuries in its original form with its Catholic roots.

Traditionally there would be 14 Stations taking you on the journey of Jesus' last few days/hours from the Last Supper through to his resurrection.

The original specified Stations were as follows:

1. Christ condemned to death;
2. the cross is laid upon him;
3. His first fall;
4. He meets His Blessed Mother;
5. Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross;
6. Christ's face is wiped by Veronica;
7. His second fall;
8. He meets the women of Jerusalem;
9. His third fall;
10. He is stripped of His garments;
11. His crucifixion;
12. His death on the cross;
13. His body is taken down from the cross;
14. laid in the tomb.
    

The aim is you walk through each station in turn, through a prescribed pathway forming what could be termed a Labyrinth - giving time at each station to reflect/ appreciate & allow God to speak... as you focus on each piece.

The theme of stations does not have to be confined to a set list (certainly the one at Hamilton didn't).

I would be really keen to see churches in Southampton get behind a similar project perhaps next year (whether it be a Community Church project/ 24-7 or something else).

Not sure if 24-7 already do something similar ... it could be something we pulled together with them on?

I found the whole experience really stimulating and powerful.

Would need an awful lot of planning and preparation, plus a range of different contributors (there were about 26 different contributors at the Hamilton display with a curator).

Anyone up for getting involved???