Awe and wonder were certainly on display as Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck was decorated with a dazzling array of beautiful colourful banners last week, as the work of local people was exhibited following the Flying High project.
Vibrant banners had been created inspired by a myriad of local inspirations from family members to local buildings and green spaces.
Many of them spoke of shared values and community. The many different designs encouraged people to see their community through other people’s eyes.
Most of the creators had never done anything like this before and certainly didn’t see themselves as artists, but their flags said otherwise and everyone was proud to see their flag on display.
Slung Low worked with Kinetika to run workshops for local people. Taking them through the stages of ideas and design to the final flag.
Starting with a photograph, some words, or making a drawing, collage or sketch they created small designs which were transferred on full size patterns before being hand-painted onto silk pennant flags, using batik techniques.
As well as open workshops, they also reached out to groups including Asha Neighbourhood Project and Women’s Whispers.
Alia Nessa from Asha commented that:
“It helps with their mental health and wellbeing being involved in projects like this and it brings out their creativity, it gives them a chance to express themselves.”
Sunjeeda Hanif from Women’s Whispers explained the impact it had on the women she works with:
“I saw sad hopeless faces turning into views of sunshine and happiness. They just forgot their everyday worries as the creativity took them to another level of fun, childlike behaviour. The achievement they felt, the friendship from working in a group was also important and it gave them space to think about what’s important to them:
“Those ideas of motherhood, courage, kindness and hope translated into the flags they made.
“As survivors of domestic abuse they thought art and creative ‘me time’ wasn’t something they should be doing, so they needed encouragement. They stepped away from worry and stress and did something that amazed their children showing them another side of their mum.”
Movern Macbeth from Slung Low said:
“Working with members of this community on a project based on every day awe and wonder has been a real highlight for us so far this year. And we couldn’t be happier with the result!
“Following this special preview exhibition of these incredible flags, all designed and handmade by Flying High workshop participants at The Warehouse in Holbeck, we look forward to bringing them out into the world so very many more people can enjoy them.”
Slung Low are keen to put on more practical workshops – let them know what you would enjoy exploring, what you would like to know about or what you are interested in doing. Contact info@slunglow.org.
Photos: Jemma Mickleburgh of JMA Photography
