The art group Textile21 was inspired by the theme of journeys, and each of the members produced artworks that respond in metaphorical, literal, autobiographical, literary, humorous ways to the topic.

Art historian Sara Riccardi, founder of Art Across, worked alongside them, and produced her own response to the theme of journey, combining poetry and art history.

Join this event to meet the artists and get a chance to discuss their work, and their journeys with it, and to attend Sara’s presentation. The poem Ithaca, by C. P. Cavafy, that inspired one of the artworks, will also be Sara’s creative starting point to take the audience on her own art history journey about journeys, as she will present academic paintings of the adventures of Odysseus, exotic landscapes, metaphorical journeys, expressed in art – paired with the themes of the poem. The whole will also be connected to the contemporary artworks displayed in the exhibition, linking time, space, and art forms.

Take a journey through the idea of journeys, and maybe find out what journey means to you.

Come along to meet the artists between 2pm and 4pm; Sara’s presentation will take place at 3pm.

About Textile21

Textile21 is a group of nine strong contemporary textile artists. They have staged successful exhibitions throughout the North West of England since 2001, always with the aim to produce and exhibit high quality, innovative work, challenging the expectations and pushing the boundaries of the use of textile in art. The exhibition 'Odyssey' was inspired by Chester Cathedral’s theme of 'Journeys', and will be on display there from 31st May until 26th June 2022, after which it will tour to other venues.

About Sara Riccardi

Sara Riccardi works as a freelance art historian, presenting art-historical content in a variety of formats and from a variety of different perspectives. Her aim is to engage the public in relevant, enthusiastic, passionate ways, bringing art history closer to those not in the field; she produces work solo or in collaboration with artists, practitioners, writers, and professionals of different disciplines.

She is currently researching for a PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University.