A large-scale art installation inspired by the Church of England’s “Living in Love and Faith” project will be on display at York Minster this summer.
 
Suspended four metres above the transept and made of two and a half thousand pieces of glass, ‘Faith and Fracture’ will be seen by the public from mid-July to mid- September.
 
The art work was commissioned by the bishops of the Church of England as part of the “Living in Love and Faith” project which saw an 18-month long discussion held across the Church on the subject of human identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.
 
Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, said:  “Being human is about being creative and being connected. As the Church of England grapples with its own differences, this luminous sculpture reminds us of the uniqueness and beauty of every human being.
 
“Each and every human being is loved by God and called to love one another in the pattern of Jesus Christ.”
 
Visitors will also be able to access an audio recording which includes comments from people who took part in the Living and Love and Faith project.  Designed by Alice Walker and David Ferrier, with an accompanying soundscape composed by Matt Eaton, the artists hope people will reflect on what faith might have to say in a world of conflict and fracture.  
 
Alice Walker said:  “The inspiration for this sculpture began with a piece of sea glass – a unique piece of colourful glass shaped and smoothed by sea and sand.  
 
“Fragile yet luminous, glass can be found in a vibrant array of colours – a way of representing the rich diversity of people who have taken part in the ‘Living in Love and Faith’ project.” 
 
‘Faith and Fracture’ will be on display at York Minster from 10 July until 16 September.  Entry is included with a standard admission ticket. Entry to the Minster is free for York residents with valid proof of address.