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? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks
Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
READ MORE
Artists’ Showcase
The Melting Pot and Creative Edinburgh have come together on 16th July to showcase the work of up and coming artists in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Magical Patterns: Curator Preview Breakfast Tour
Join the Dovecot and IKEA Museum curators for an early morning tour and viewing of IKEA: Magical Patterns on Friday 18th July!
READ MORE
IKEA: Magical Patterns
IKEA Museum's Magical Patterns exhibition comes to Dovecot Studios, celebrating 60 years of innovative textile design.
READ MORE
Magical Patterns: Director Talk
Join Dovecot Director, Celia Joicey on 19th July for a special opening weekend talk on IKEA: Magical Patterns!
READ MORE
Dinner in the Garden with Roberta Hall-McCarron
Enjoy an exquisite four course dinner presented by award-winning chef Roberta Hall-McCarron and explore the trailblazing work of Linder: Danger Came Smiling on 24th July at the Royal Botanic Garden!
READ MORE
Tove Hirth selected works
Powderhall Bronze Editions is excited to be showcasing a curated selection of works by renowned Norwegian artist Tove Hirth as part of their summer exhibition programme!
READ MORE
The National Gardening & Outdoor Living Show
The National Gardening & Outdoor Living Show at the Royal Highland Centre is fun-filled event for all the family, offering entertainment and activities for both children and adults!
READ MORE
Corstorphine Art Group Annual Exhibition 2025
Come along to Corstorphine Art Group's Annual Exhibition with lots of wonderful members paintings for sale, at affordable prices!
READ MORESponsored Links
Find other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links