Manx student picked to create Liverpool Cathedral nativity scene
- Published
The Dean Of Liverpool said the sculpture had started many conversations
Being commissioned to create a nativity scene for Liverpool Cathedral was "an honour", a Manx student has said.
Former Ballakermeen High School pupil Paulina Kurzydlowska made the life-sized crib scene using recycled materials.
Now studying at Liverpool Hope University, the 19-year-old said she wanted the piece to be sustainable due to current climate change issues.
Her work is set to be viewed by thousands over the festive period.
Ms Kurzydlowska collaborated with lecturers Tony Smith and David Ogle on the sculpture, which was influenced by the 1898 painting The Annunciation by Henry Ossawa Tanner.
'Challenge and inspire'
Made from cardboard, wood and plastic bottles she had been collecting, the student said she had drawn on skills honed during her time as a pupil at the Douglas secondary school.
The second-year fine art student from Douglas said she chose to illuminate the larger figures' hearts with pulsating lights to represent a heartbeat, which had "given them character" and had left some visitors to the cathedral "moved".
Ms Kurzydlowska said the month-long project had been an "incredible" opportunity and she still could not believe she had been asked to do it.
She said she hoped the work "empathises with the raw humanity of this biblical event" and highlighted "the equivalence to current issues of homelessness and those seeking refuge".
The Very Reverend Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool Cathedral, said she was delighted to unveil the new scene designed by Ms Kurzydlowska.
She said the cathedral had wanted a scene to "challenge and inspire" and break away from stereotypical depictions.
The piece had brought a fresh interpretation to a familiar scene "asking questions about the nature of God at Christmas", Dr Jones said.
"We are thrilled with the work, which has gained much appreciation and started many conversations", she added.
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