A POWERFUL art installation entitled Oil Fountain has gone on display at Bristol Cathedral.
It has been created by internationally renowned Bristol artist Luke to provoke discussion of the climate and ecological emergencies we face unless action is taken.
The activist group Extinction Rebellion was invited to the cathedral on June 15 to welcome artwork. Also present were members of Christian Climate Action, representatives of local multi-faith groups, Bristol Climate Choir and performance group the Red Rebels.
Dave Mitchell, member of Christian Climate Action and Extinction Rebellion Bristol, said:
“We are delighted that Bristol Cathedral and the Church authorities have been working with us to undertake this hugely symbolic action, bringing active Christians and active citizens together to celebrate this immensely thought-provoking artwork.
Just having this piece in the Cathedral where the font should be is a hugely symbolically provoking act that is sure to spark a huge number of conversations about what we need to do to address the Climate and Ecological crises we all face.
We have been working in partnership with all these groups to harness the immense power of individuals when they act together in solidarity and unity in the greatest common cause we can ever face, rebelling in the face of horrific consequences if we don’t accelerate beyond the fossil fuel era, into a just transition to a better world for all.”
The Revd Canon Jonnie Parkin, Canon Missioner at Bristol Cathedral, responsible for evangelistic outreach, and deepening the discipleship of the Cathedral congregation is encouraged by this initiative;
“We realise that many people may be nervous at the thought of Bristol Cathedral opening its doors to welcome Extinction Rebellion, but we have worked with many climate action groups in the past and are always struck by their urgency and commitment to countering the Climate Crisis. They [Extinction Rebellion] can be viewed as ‘prophetic disruptors’, speaking truth to power and encouraging better, more community-minded thinking and behaviours, much as leading figures in many of the great Faiths have done before them.”
The Oil Fountain will be in Bristol Cathedral until July 2.