Guest artist RORY PILGRIM joins author and critic ELIZABETH FULLERTON to discuss his musically inspired, community-based art practice through the prism of 'The Bell' by Irish British writer and philosopher, Dame Jean Iris Murdoch. Published in 1958, this funny and sad novel explores religion, human frailty and who has the right to a voice, set within the confines of a lay community.

Please be warned that in following the content of Murdoch's text, the programme contains references to sexual abuse and to suicide.

Rory and Elizabeth's discussion also encompasses unheard voices, sunken voices, historical voices, awoken voices, shutting down voices, empathy, songwriting, drawing, poetry, kissing, dancing, stories, transformation, spiritual striving, moral dilemma, social practice, closet homosexuality, transformative moments, nuns getting naked and writing off people who are too complicated. They also delve into the toxic politics of speech, wrestling with faith, music as a first language, pathways of self destruction, the stress of being part of communities, suppression leading to the harm of others, the desire and courage to learn and to listen, experiences shaped by nuance and interconnections, and ways in which direct democracy can be built on consensus and intergenerational dialogue. And together, they question: how can you be completely yourself within a group, how can we imagine new forms of law through storytelling, and how can art play a civic role in transforming lives and developing networks of care.

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RORY PILGRIM

rorypilgrim.com

insta @rainbowsofgorse

'Turner Prize' at Towner Eastbourne 28 Sep 2023-14 Apr 2024

'Rafts' 2020 The Migros Museum of Contemporary Art in Zurich, EVA International 31 Aug – 29 Oct 2023 Limerick city of Ireland, 49 Nord 6 Est Frac Lorraine in Metz of France

'The Undercurrent' 2019

'The Resounding Bell' 2018

ARTISTS

Abba 'The Visitors' 1981

Barbara Hepworth

Evelyn Taocheng Wang

Helen Cammock

Ilona Sagar

Jane Jeffcot

Mel Brimfield 

Ragnar Kjartansson 'The Visitors' 2012

Robyn Haddon 

Sands Murray-Wassink

Sonia Boyce

Susie Green

BOOKS + AUTHORS

Lucy Lippard 'Mapping the Terrain: New Genre in Public Art' 1994

Suzi Gablik 'The Re-enchantment of Art' 1991

Toni Morrison 'Beloved' 1987

Toni Morrison 'Song of Solomon' 1977

Toni Morrison 'The Bluest Eye' 1970

GALLERIES + MUSEUMS + ORGANISATIONS

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Chisenhale Gallery

Green Shoes Arts

Interfaith Sanctuary, Boise, Idaho

Serpentine Gallery 'Radio Ballads' 2022

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