An exhibition of exquisite paintings depicting the traditional landscape of poppy fields but with a contemporary edge will emblazon the windows of Brighton’s Jubilee Library from 13-26 October 2008. The series of eight works by local artist Jacqueline Hammond combine the beauty of flowers with the symbolic role of the Poppy in association with war throughout history. As well as being a topical subject – with Remembrance Day around the corner – the positioning of the art in a public space rather than the confines of a hidden gallery seeks to include and draw in a wider audience to raise collective awareness and provoke thought.
For 70 years the men who fought in the First World War were largely forgotten. It was not their heroism that became the predominant memory of that war but the waste of so many lives. Of the millions of British servicemen who fought in the first world war, only a handful remain to witness this year’s remembrance day. The intention is to invite one such veteran to sign a painting and then auction it to raise money for charity. In addition, 20% of the proceeds from all sales will go to the Poppy Appeal.
Jacqueline Hammond, artist, says: “Will future generations commemorate let alone stop for a minute’s silence when these heroes are all gone? Our world is still ridden with war and suffering despite our historical consciousness supposedly moving forward. A core aim of the exhibition is to highlight the forthcoming Remembrance Day and serve as a reminder for avoidance of bloodshed in future.”
Ms Hammond will be at the Jubilee Library to meet the public and discuss the exhibition from 10am – 5pm between 14 – 26 October. She will be sketching scenes based on people’s comments as they view her work. The public will be invited to take part in a new painting entitled ‘Remember your loved ones’ where they can write the name of a loved one they have lost on a Poppy. The exhibition is open to proposals of ideas for future venues / events to display the exhibition, particularly for November and the week of Remembrance Day – 11th November.