Cathedral graffiti praised after Vance criticism

Hear Us is on display at Canterbury Cathedral from 17 October to 18 January

An art installation featuring questions to God written in graffiti has officially opened at Canterbury Cathedral, after being criticised by both the US vice-president and the world's richest man.

Hear Us is a collaboration between poet Alex Vellis, curator Jacqueline Creswell and diverse communities.

The work is attached to walls using colourful stickers and is mainly on display in the crypt with some works scattered around the main cathedral building.

"It is giving the marginalised community of Canterbury a voice within the cathedral putting profound questions to God," said Ms Creswell.

"We're sitting right by one here that says 'does everything have a soul?', I think that's so profound."

JD Vance was critical of the instillation

The installation has already attracted high profile criticism.

US vice-president JD Vance wrote on X: "It is weird to me that these people don't see the irony of honoring 'marginalized communities' by making a beautiful historical building really ugly."

Tech billionaire Elon Musk commented "absolutely" to the post.

Curator Jacqueline Creswell has worked with poet Alex Vellis and marginalised local communities to create the artwork

Undaunted by the criticism, Ms Creswell said: "I guess Vance and Musk are very prominent people in our world today and extremely busy people.

"I'm rather delighted that they took the time out to research the exhibition and to review it."

Others have praised the temporary installation, with Dean of Canterbury David Monteith saying it "intentionally builds bridges between cultures, styles and genres".

Mr Monteith added it "allows us to receive the gifts of younger people who have much to say and from whom we need to hear much".

"Above all, this graffiti makes me wonder why I am not always able to be as candid, not least in my prayers," he said.

Alex Palmer from Chartham says the installation has changed his opinion about graffiti

Alex Palmer from Chatham volunteers at Canterbury Cathedral and said he was won over by the art installation.

"Normally I can't stand graffiti but I am coming around to it now," he said.

"There are lots of important questions being asked with this artwork and it has got me thinking."

However, visitor Daniel from Warrington seemed to share Vance and Musk's view.

"I think it ruined the environment," he said.

"It's not what I came to see, I want to see how it was originally was and the graffiti spoils the vibe."