COVENTRY’S Herbert Art Gallery and Museum is playing host to a new exhibition that explores damaged artwork.
And Ali Cherri, the artist behind ‘If you prick us, do we not bleed?’ ,said the city’s history of destruction and rebirth makes it a fitting host for his exhibition.
The Beirut-born artist’s work was inspired by five vandalised National Gallery paintings and considers how histories of trauma can be examined through a response to museum and gallery collections.
It also delves into how those who experience violence are never truly the same.
The exhibition will now be on display at the Herbert until January 8.
Cherri, who was born in Beirut at the start of the civil war, said he felt a strong personal connection with Coventry with the works sharing an affinity with the city’s past.
He said: “We cannot unwrite violence.
“When we are subjected to violence, it changes the essence of who we are.
“These wounds become part of our story and for art, it also affects something at its core. Its aura changes.”
The exhibition opened alongside Brought to Light, featuring highlights from the Herbert’s collection which has been acquired over 65 years and will also be on display until January 8.
The Herbert’s recently appointed director Marguerite Nugent added: “There is a great buzz and energy around Coventry and it is fitting these exhibitions have been launched during a time where the city is thinking about its legacy after the City of Culture year.
“It has been a great pleasure to work with Ali, especially around themes of peace, reconciliation and heritage that also underpin our work here.”
