Chapel installation to respond to Syrian crisis

Dark Water, Burning World, is an installation of 1,000 miniature boats made from recycled bicycle mudguards, jam-packed with upright spent matches in which Syrian artist, Issam Kourbaj, evokes the plight of his fellow Syrians.     On the morning of Monday 12th March, 2018, Kourbaj will install Dark Water, Burning World on the floor of King's College Chapel.  The Chapel will be open to the public as normal at this time.   On Monday evening there will be a series of free events to coincide with the installation.    17.30   Choral Evensong, sung by King's Voices.   19.30   A special Concert of Music, Poetry and Sound-effects, with choral music, upon the themes of Exile and Flight, sung by King's Voices, conducted by Ben Parry, and for the first time ever heard at King's Chapel, Syrian Chant sung by Lina Al Shahin, interleaved with Poetry, including Ruth Padel's Lesbos, 2015. Live sound-effects of winds blowing across the sea designed by Hugh Hunt.   21.00  Compline, sung by King's Voices, with an address by the Dean.     The installation will remain in Chapel until March 15th, which is the 7th anniversary of the Syrian uprising. In the morning the artist will publicly de-install Dark Water, Burning World, which will then be replaced by seven candles at the Chapel altar.   The Dean of King's the Revd Dr Stephen Cherry commented, 'Kourbaj's artwork is exhibited at King's College Chapel in response to the Syrian tragedy and crisis. As we look forward to the installation and experiencing its impact on our hearts and minds our prayers remain with those who continue to suffer in Syria as well as those who have fled'. Issam Kourbaj commented that, 'In Dark Water, Burning World I explore the visible and invisible scars of loss borne by the scorched, escaping Syrians, forced to flee their homeland. I have delved deep into our proud Syrian history for inspiration - finding it in the 5th century BC Syrian sea vessels in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.' The installation begins on Monday 12 March, and will be deconstructed on Thursday 15 March.