The Way of the Cross: Photographs by Stephen Deazley
The Way of the Cross is an exhibition of photographs by Stephen Deazley, charting graffitied crosses in Scottish cities. Catch it at Upright Gallery from 22nd to 26th January!
About The Way of the Cross: Photographs by Stephen Deazley
The Way of the Cross charts graffitied crosses in Scottish cities. Marked in ink, chalk, pencil and nail polish, scratched into wood and stone or drawn with a finger into the grime of a telephone box window, they can be found at the thresholds to tenement flats, on the side of bins, or positioned with a graphic and sometimes comic eye, riding upon graffiti tags or in direct conversation with the peeling fabric of the city’s walls.
It borrows its title from Via Dolorosa, The Way of Sorrow, an ancient devotional route in Jerusalem’s Old City that rises in the Muslim quarter and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and which is believed to mark moments in the passion and crucifixion of Jesus: where he was condemned to death; took up the cross; consoled his weeping mother; and is eventually stripped and nailed to the cross. It is a profound story of sacrifice and ritualised public humiliation, kindness and cruelty, vulnerability and strength, fear and acceptance.
Photographer, Stephen Deazley grew up in a Belfast Catholic household in a culture rich with icons and biblical imagery, and while he is not, these days, religious in any way, he finds these crosses and the mark making very moving, akin more to private meditations than public declarations of faith. They speak to him of loneliness and affirmation in equal measure and reveal part of a city’s untold story. Collecting them has become a meditation, a ritual of walking, noticing, and bearing witness to those who made them and to the moments in time when they were made.
“You ignore graffiti at your peril. It’s the heartbeat of a city. It’s the voice of the voiceless.”
Terry Pratchett
Stephen Deazley is perhaps better known across Scotland as a choir director, music educator and composer, whose work enables communities and people of all ages to participate in inspirational music making. This is his first public exhibition.
10% of profits on sales will be donated to Simon Community Scotland, providing safe places and support for people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Turner in January
Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!
READ MORE
Exhibition: Scotland at Night
This exhibition at the Scottish Storytelling Centre is a captivating compilation of night photography highlighting the beauty, geology and compelling history of Edinburgh and beyond.
READ MORE
Paper Trails
Paper Trails presents a focused selection of works on paper by &Gallery’s represented artists this January.
READ MORE
Drawing the Italian Renaissance: BSL Tour
Join our British Sign Language tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh.
READ MORE
The Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition
Are you planning your wedding in Scotland and looking for the best Edinburgh wedding suppliers? Then come along to The Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition, one of the largest wedding shows in Scotland!
READ MORE
The Biba Story: 1964–1975
The Biba Story explores how fashion phenomenon Biba blossomed to become the world’s first lifestyle label, sparking a revolution in how people shopped.
READ MORE
Shorthair & All Breed Championship Cat Show
The annual GCCF Championship Cat Show will be held on Saturday 14th February at West Lothian College Sports Hall, Livingston. It's a purr-fect day out for cat lovers everywhere!
READ MORE
Classic Trucks & Tractors
From the organisers of Truckfest comes Classic Trucks & Tractors, a brand-new show on 28th Feb & 1st March 2026 at the Royal Highland Centre.
READ MORESponsored Links
Find other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links