Internationally celebrated artist Yinka Shonibare has created a series of new quilt artworks for Hereford Cathedral, commissioned by Meadow Arts.
Creatures of the Mappa Mundi is inspired by the Mappa Mundi (the largest medieval map of the world to survive to the present day). Shonibare invited diverse Herefordshire groups of people to contribute to the project by coming together for sewing sessions, intended to spark debate on current hot topics, including the environment and immigration.
Groups from the Courtyard Hereford’s Creative Ageing project; Diploma in Art & Design students from Hereford College of Arts; Rose Tinted Rags and charity for disabled people, Echo; young people from SHYPP (Supported Housing for Young People Project) and Hereford River Carnival have sewn textiles as part of the project.
The Hereford Mappa Mundi is a remarkable artefact with rich illustrations, some depicting strange people and animals, drawn by artists from various myths or the exaggerated descriptions of travellers to far off lands. Shonibare was inspired by these creatures to create a series of figures both realistic and supernatural, for a series of textile hangings.
The exhibition is in the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library exhibition space from 24 January to 1 June 2019, normal admission charges apply.
