The outdoor artwork will be present in the grounds of Aston Park from 8-16 May 2021, and will be free to visit in line with government guidance on lockdown restrictions and with Covid-19 safety measures in place.
‘In Memoriam’ is a temporary memorial remembering those who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has also been made in tribute to the NHS workers who have been risking their lives during the crisis. The artwork consists of 120 flags created from bed sheets, arranged to resemble a medical logo.
In Memoriam’ by Luke Jerram was originally commissioned by The Weston Arts + Health Weekender and was supported by Without Walls and Festival.Org as a way to pay homage to those who have been affected by the pandemic.
Of the artwork, Jerram said: “Not many people have been able to grieve properly, with loved ones unable to visit their relatives in hospitals, funerals cancelled and places of worship and community closed. So there’s a massive need for artwork that can help us grieve for those we’ve lost”.
The calm and reflective atmosphere evoked by ‘In Memoriam’ has been acclaimed by both BrumYODO and the Birmingham Hippodrome, as they felt there was a need to create a tranquil place for people to reflect.
BrumYODO Director Antonia Back stated: “‘In Memoriam’ is a peaceful and reflective installation, and we hope it will support people to mark this extraordinary time and commemorate those who have died from the pandemic.”
‘In Memoriam’ is also the focus of this year’s A Matter of Life and Death Festival, an annual arts and culture event created by BrumYODO that aims to encourage conversation about death and dying. An interactive part of the event will see an invitation extended to people across Birmingham and beyond to take part remotely by creating a personalised ‘In Memoriam’ flag.
Black added: “We recognise that not everyone will be able to travel to experience ‘In Memoriam’ in person, and so we are also encouraging people to get involved remotely by making their own ‘In Memoriam’ flags and installations at home and by taking part in our online events.”
With the hope of bringing people together in such trying times, ‘In Memoriam’ will be an opportunity to remember, reflect and reminisce about the hardships and trials of Covid-19.
For more information visit www.brumyodo.org.uk
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