Elevation from Terror

Artist- Bob Aldous, Ingrid Plum

Artists Bob Aldous and Ingrid Plum are coordinating interactive art events to mark the second anniversary of the London Bombings.

“Elevation from Terror” will be displayed in St Pancras Church from 25th June- 13th July.

This piece involves asking the public to make origami cranes in memory of the victims and survivors of the 7th July bombings, that will fly over a map of London. This map is transformed during the exhibition by covering the arial view of London with silver safety blankets, a reflective surface that alludes to a lake.

We will be running workshops to make origami birds. The birds will be based on the traditional origami crane that symbolizes peace. On the wings of the birds we can write messages for the victims and survivors of the bombings and they will then be set in flight across the interior of the church, circling eventually over an Arial map of London. The map will be transformed throughout the duration of the exhibition by covering the surface with silver survival blankets; transforming London into a reflective lake. The inspiration for the work comes from mystical poem by Farid Attar- Conference of the birds. The birds gathered together to go on a migration to find the mythological king of the birds- the Simorgh. When they arrived at the destination only 30 birds survived, all they found was a lake and reflections of themselves.

“They see the Simorgh- at themselves they stare,
And see a second Simorgh standing there;
They look at both and see the two are one,
That this is that, that this, the goal is won.
They ask (but inwardly; they make no sound)
The meaning of these mysteries that confound
Their puzzled ignorance- how is it true
That “we” is not distinguished from “you”?
And silently their shinning Lord replies:
‘I am a mirror set before your eyes,
And all who come before my splendor see
Themselves, their own unique reality.’