Exhibition inspired by testimonies of trauma

The exhibition will run at Coventry Cathedral, until 2 November

An artist's work with people to translate their experiences of trauma onto canvas is the subject of a new exhibition.

Created by Andy Farr, the paintings were developed over seven years and inspired by conversations, and are on display until 2 November at Coventry Cathedral.

Being Seen: In Art, Words and Dance will also include a free live event, on 18 October, featuring testimonies from participants, a new dance piece and poetry, and staged in the cathedral's transept.

Organisers described the initiative as a "thought-provoking" public event and exhibition inspired by testimonies of "growth and personal recovery" from traumatic experiences.

The project "illuminates powerful personal journeys of resilience, healing, and hope", they added.

The work by Coventry-based artist Mr Farr, a doctoral researcher at the University of Nottingham, focuses "on resilience and recovery", organisers said.

His vision was to spark empathy and understanding through exploring "hidden pain and transformative recovery, offering deeply human portraits of courage and renewal".

Mr Farr's work has been supported by the Institute of Mental Health, With-you Consultancy Ltd, which specialises in peer support, Day One Trauma, which helps people affected by major physical trauma to rebuild their life, charity Mind, Arts Council England and others.

The exhibition showcases paintings developed over seven years, inspired by conversations with trauma survivors

The dance piece at the events has also been inspired by one person's recovery from trauma and has an original score by Justine Hewson, a composer who has collaborated with Mr Farr since 2020, creating original music inspired by survivor narratives.

The piece will be performed by the Restless Movement Collective, an intergenerational dance group that explores ageing as a creative process.

There will also be a man's tribute to his partner, an off-duty police officer killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, alongside her portrait painted by Mr Farr.

The exhibition was created by a Coventry-based artist

The exhibition and event "explore themes of trauma, including emotional distress, violence, abuse, loss, and grief", organisers said.

They added content may evoke strong emotional reactions and audiences were encouraged to engage with care and sensitivity.