Ikon and Birmingham Cathedral present a new site-specific work by Birmingham-born artist Roger Hiorns, Untitled (a retrospective view of the pathway), 2016
Working with the choir of St Philip’s Cathedral, Birmingham, the event sees choristers undertake Choral Evensong whilst lying on their backs on the floor, within the nave of the church, rather than standing to sing in stalls behind the altar. This will be a full service rather than a performance – led by The Very Revd Catherine Ogle, Dean of Birmingham, and directed by Canon Marcus Huxley – with the congregation seated in the aisles and galleries. The event raises important questions concerning the aesthetics of faith and worship in modern life; plays with perceptions of life and death and sleep and consciousness; and re-imagines an ancient ritual, part of an establishment that defines our society – all within sight of the Cathedral’s stained glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones depicting the Last Judgment.
Untitled (a retrospective view of the pathway) takes place from 5.30-6.30pm on Wednesday 15 June and Friday 17 June 2016. Places are free but should be booked.