Tag Archives: Cambridge

Selected Works from the Sina Jina Collection

When the Heavens Meet the Earth – Selected Works from the Sina Jina Collection, The Heong Gallery, Downing College, Cambridge, until 21st May 2017

Installation image, When the Heavens Meet the Earth, 2017,
courtesy the artists and The Heong Gallery, Downing College, Cambridge, photo Perry Hastings

Downing College alumnus Robert Devereux is a well-known figure in the world of contemporary visual arts and in 2010 he disposed of works from his collection of post-war British art to help set-up The African Arts Trust (TAAT).  This is a body which helps to fund organisations which help create opportunities for artists in Africa – a continent that Devereux loves and feels a connection with.

Installation image, When the Heavens Meet the Earth, 2017,
courtesy the artists and The Heong Gallery, Downing College, Cambridge, photo Perry Hastings

He sums up his approach to collecting saying: ‘I have always bought what I loved and have always been led by what emotionally and visually stimulates me… I am uncomfortable with the notion of being a collector although that is probably what I am… It brings with it unattractive connotations of ownership, hoarding and possession. I like to think that my principal reason for buying has always been to support artists and, in some cases, gallerists.’

Aida Muluneh,
No. 7 from the 99 series, 2013,
Digital photograph, 100 x 100 cm,
copyright the artist, courtesy The Heong Gallery.

Opening Hours: Wednesdays 12pm-8pm · Fridays 12pm-5pm · Saturdays 10am-6pm · Sundays 12pm-5pm

www.heonggallery.com

‘Madonnas and Miracles’

‘Madonnas and Miracles: The Holy Home in Renaissance Italy’, The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, until 4th June 2017

The Christ Child, Italy, Camerino, c.1484–90 – during installation.
The silk velvet is Velluto Venezia by Rubelli.
Courtesy of Helen Edwards PR

This is a fascinating exhibition which reveals through both the fine and decorative arts a glimpse of life in Renaissance Italy.  Combining treasures from the museum’s own collections with those loaned from Europe, the US and Israel we see how important religion and devotion were in a world that we may often think as secular.

 

The Christ Child, Italy, Camerino, c.1484–90.
Photo: Nuns of Santa Chiara, Camerino.

Some of the works were to come from the Marche area of Italy which was affected by earthquakes last October and while it is has not been possible for some objects to be brought over as a result of it I am delighted to share images of this 15th century polychrome decorated wooden doll of the Christ Child with you because to me its survival is a miracle of some sort. It has not only survived through the centuries but also last year’s earthquake which reduced the Franciscan nunnery where it is kept to rubble.

 

The Christ Child, Italy, Camerino, c.1484–90 – during installation.
Courtesy of Helen Edwards PR

Images of the Madonna were an important feature in Italian homes in the Renaissance and her role as a mother was copied by many women who owned such dolls.  One other exhibit that particularly struck me was the set of knives whose blades are decorated with the notes and words for a four-part grace and nearby is a recording of it by members of the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge.

The Viadana family prays to St Nicholas to save them from an earthquake, Italy, Le Marche, 16th century.
Tolentino, Museo di San Nicola.

The three groups of ex-voto paintings were way of giving thanks at shrines for what was deemed to be a miracle by the people or family concerned and I thought this one depicting a family praying for protection from an earthquake especially appropriate.

It is in its own special way a great exhibition.

 

http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/

http://www.rubelli.com