Doom And Gloom? No
For two weekends in June, All Saints Church in Hastings Old Town transforms into an atmospheric art gallery as The Two Ians (Skelton and Shillito) curate their next group show. The art duo, who create alternative gallery experiences in unusual venues, have invited 20 local artists to respond to the church’s medieval Doom painting, in a project entitled DOOM: Reimagined.
Historically, a Doom painting was a large mural depicting the Day of Judgement, usually positioned across the chancel arch of the church. As most of the congregation were unable to read they relied heavily on images to inform and educate. The Doom was always there to re-enforce the teachings of their faith.
Churches in Medieval England were intensely colourful places before the Reformation changed things dramatically by plastering over the paintings, leaving the grey stone commonly seen today. Remarkably, the colours were uncovered during the Victorian period.
Ian Shillito says “Over six hundred years ago, an artist was tasked with painting a Doom in this ancient church. For four centuries it remained lost and forgotten until it was rediscovered in the late 19th Century. Now, a group of creatives respond to that original, 600-year old artwork.”
The Two Ians continue their mission to create events that allow a wider perspective to highlight not only a unique piece of the town’s heritage, but also to attract new visitors to the church.
Father Mathew Phipps, Rector of Old Town Parish, says, “For centuries, the Christian message has been expressed in art and architecture, in ways that often make us think, engage our feelings, and – like any art – provoke a response. We’re delighted to host this exhibition at All Saints’ Church, and for visitors to connect with the spirituality and history of this place through the eyes and work of such talented artists.”
New artists’ opportunities
A fundamental part of the project is to create opportunities for artists who have had minimal to no experience exhibiting publicly, in a bid to increase inclusivity and widen the artistic pool in the town. Alongside our established artists are therefore contributors who are retired, at university, from community art organisations, or simply working people who make art in their downtime.
As working-class artists themselves, both Ians continue to champion the notion that the arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of lived experience.
Ian Skelton says: “After two well-received events in St. Andrew’s Mews, and the hugely positive response to our last show in the Hastings History House, we wanted to keep building. Given special permission to inhabit the church, we feel this will be an unusual, inspiring and thought provoking exhibition.”
With an eclectic group of invited artists, we expect a variety of takes on Doom, ranging through textiles, installations, painting, ceramics, and music – a young composer will play in the church.
Private View: Friday 5 June 6-9pm; Weekend 1: Saturday 6– Sunday 7 June, 11am-5pm; Weekend 2: Saturday 13–Sunday 14 June, 11am-5pm
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