Church House is delighted to announce two newly commissioned artworks, completing refurbishment works to the historic building in the heart of Westminster. Artworks by two leading artists working today, Liz West and Alexander Tovborg, have been commissioned by the Corporation to greet visitors to the building. Liz West (lives and works in Manchester, UK) has created a new light installation which meets visitors as they ascend the central staircase, whilst Tovborg (lives and works Copenhagen, Denmark) has created a series of three paintings to hang in its new entrance lobby.
Ever Flowing Reflection is a new artwork by British artist Liz West, installed in a lightwell which casts its light into reception rooms adjoining the Assembly Hall Chamber, at the centre of the building. The artwork suggests either a continuously flowing stream or upward burst of light. Part of the inspiration for the artwork has come from two biblical texts suggested to the artist (Amos 5:24: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” and John 4:10: “The gift of living water is promised by Jesus to the Samaritan woman”), reflecting God’s desire for justice and right living among human beings and the living water Jesus offers as eternal renewal for his followers. Channelling these texts, the artwork aims to inspire conversation about hope and justice in our world.
The installation which has been designed specifically for the building, has been created using over 200 circular mirrors, made of coloured acrylic in 15 vibrant colours. As light bounces off the mirrors, spots of kaleidoscopic colour are projected outwards onto the walls and floor around, cascading colour and light, and creating a sense of movement.
Alexander Tovborg has created a series of three paintings titled Madonna of the spice. The canvases have been painted this year (2024) with Church House and its entrance foyer in mind. The title Madonna of the spice carries associations of offerings, anointing oils and incense, as well as evoking a sense of transcendence, peace and spiritual awakening.
Tovborg is one of the leading Danish artists working today. His artwork usually incorporates motifs and symbols from Christianity and past artworks have explored the adolescence of Jesus Christ, the first meeting of Adam and Eve and the marriage of Heaven and Hell. Tovborg often creates artworks in series, frequently depicting a repeated image or motif but using different colour palettes, as is the case at Church House.
Stephanie Maurel, Chief Executive Officer said of the artworks:
“We’re thrilled to have commissioned two leading artists working today, each with a track record of working sensitively in religious settings, to create two extraordinary new artworks. The artworks animate the building in inspiring and imaginative ways, bringing new colour, light and vibrancy for visitors, delegates and regular users of the building to enjoy.”
