Reflection
2015 was the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta (the ‘Great Charter’), King John’s response to rebellion. It recognised that neither monarch nor government were above the law and introduced concepts around individual freedoms that have remained central in the laws of many nations. It is a text that has shaped history. The British Library, Ruskin School of Art and University of Oxford wanted to commemorate the moment. Parker’s idea was chosen.
Parker is known for sculptures and installations in public spaces as well as art galleries. She is fascinated by the stuff from which the world around us is made, “My work is all about the potential of materials…”
Parker’s first materials were the pixels of her computer’s screen. She took a screenshot of the English Wikipedia article about the document on 15th June, 2014. Her “snapshot” was printed onto fabric 4.9 feet wide and 43 feet long. She then arranged for 200 people to hand-stitch every letter, line and image. The digital became the physicality of needles and thread and many fingers.
Most of the text was sewn by those who had lost their liberty; 36 prisoners in 13 English prisons. They were supervised by the charity Fine Cell Work which teaches needlework to enable offenders to earn a living creating beautiful things. The Embroiderer’s Guild and others did the images. Many individuals contributed. Julian Assange stitched the word ‘freedom,’ Edward Snowden ‘liberty,’ Doreen Lawrence (Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon) ‘justice,’ ‘denial,’ and ‘delay,’ Shami Chakrabarti ‘Charter of Liberties.’
This is a phenomenal exercise in the power not only of materials (old and new) but of ideas. Parker’s concept has been made real through the skills and commitment of hundreds. Magna Carta’s possibilities are made real only as people enshrine them in systems, laws, attitudes and choices.
Jesus calls us to such wonders too. “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like… It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” (Mark 4: 30-32)
Prayer
In the midst of all the words,
all the philosophies and posts,
all claims of truth and falsehood,
Jesus, let us listen.
Let us truly hear you amidst the noise
of all that claims our time, attention and affection.
Take us to the Bible today.
Take us to prayer.
Take us to praise, confession, intercession, action.
Dwell powerfully with us wherever we find ourselves.
Show us your way.
Amen.