2019 saw the 60th anniversary of the Coventry/Dresden twinning.
Coventry artists John Yeadon and Lisa Gunn with Dresden artists Monika Marten and Kerstin Franke-Gneuß dedicated their exhibition ‘Condition Humane’ to this 60th anniversary in the Kreuzkirke opening on the eve of remembrance and commemorative day of the destruction of Dresden by the allies.
The exhibition was attended by the HRH Duke of Kent as Royal Patron of the Dresden Trust, one of the sponsors of Coventry Dresden Arts Exchange, along with the City of Dresden, Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft Dresden, and Coventry Association For International Friendship.
At the launch in his speech John Yeadon said:
“Peace and reconciliation is usually expressed through our practical work of collaboration with Dresden artists. A collaboration of friends. Establishing a dialogue, sharing and discussing ideas, of exhibiting and working together. Understanding the different histories and culture of our cities and learning from one another. However this is Coventry Dresden Arts Exchange’s first themed exhibition. ‘Condition Humaine’, concerned with human vulnerability, struggle and resilience, qualities both cities share.“
This exhibition supports the theme of Coventry 2021 City of Culture. ‘Being Human’.
Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director for Coventry City of Culture Trust has said:
“Throughout its history, Coventry has always pioneered activism, fighting for worker’s rights, promoting equality, tackling racism, making the case for the arts in education, welcoming new communities, finding solutions for poverty and health inequalities … We are known as a sanctuary,
a place of welcome, a safe home and a city that promotes peace. This is a great opportunity
to explore our place in this global conversation.”
The second stage of this exhibition was to the Lady Chapel in Coventry Cathedral in the summer with a concert by Spires Music and Neuer Chor in the Cathedral (John Yeadon plays the cello in Spires and Rainer Barczaitis sings with the Dresden Neuer Chor, so Coventry Dresden Arts Exchange initially enabled this new musical relationship)
Lisa Gunn also gave a talk on her work and life. Her achievements are through hard work and struggle. Lisa’s ‘photographs’ were perfect for this exhibition, the theme of destruction and renewal, as in her ‘life story’ as an artist, of struggle, courage and recovery, transforming her life. A positive metaphor for both our cities.
Coventry/Dresden Arts Exchange was the recipient of an Arts Council England grant in October of 2019 for a three year programme of exhibitions and residencies. Specifically a pilot printmaking exchange with Grafikwerkstatt in Dresden and the Coventry University printmaking facility. Again partnering with Dresden City Council and Coventry University.
Residency – Lucas Oertel
In September Dresden artist Lucas Oertel was the resident artist in Coventry the Class Room Gallery providing studio space. His large formate wall installation ‘Volunteers’ referred to soldiers of the First World War.
Lucas who was artist in residence exhibited at the Class Room Gallery.
Coventry Biennial – Alexander Müller
In 2019 Alexandra Müller and Lucas Oertel took part in the Coventry Biennial for Contemporary art Alex’s work was shown at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
