Reconciliation Statue By Josefina de Vasconcellos Originally created

Reconciliation Statue By Josefina de Vasconcellos.

Originally created in 1977 and entitled Reunion, it depicted a man and woman embracing each other ]. [1] In May 1998 it was presented to University of Bradford as a memorial to the University's first Vice. Chancellor Professor Ted Edwards The statue was presented to the cathedral in 1995 to mark the 50 th anniversary of the end of World War II. "The sculpture was originally conceived in the aftermath of the War. Europe was in shock, people were stunned. I read in a newspaper about a woman who crossed Europe on foot to find her husband, and I was so moved that I made the sculpture. Then I thought that it wasn't only about the reunion of two people but hopefully a reunion of nations which had been fighting. "

Copies of the Reconciliation statue now stand outside Coventry Cathedral, in the Hiroshima Peace Park in Japan, at the site of the Berlin Wall and in the grounds of Stormont Castle, Belfast. These are all places that have experienced conflict and embraced reconciliation. Berlin, Germany Hiroshima Peace Park, Japan

“What the eye encounters in all these places are the figures of two people, male and female, in a close embrace. Both have fallen to their knees- bending far What might they forward, they lean upon each other- it is the only way in which they can bridge the havekneeling saidtransform tobodies, each to have they put them; and now they link their. What will gap What that What has grown between two might one side toprop gettheir hands on one another, to findthe relationship other? form to a bridge. They a hold. Comforting, happen next? to this What further? have theyare protecting, one point? of the man’s hands lies on the woman’s head. Both heads pressed close together, her forehead resting on his shoulder. ” Oliver Schuegraf, acknowledged? The Cross of Nails Is the pain and suffering still there? Havelong the has evil it How memories taken? gone away? How much Has the search for truth and justice already begun? The statue patience did they often need? reminds Howare many prayers “They meeting here on a level playing field- neither of them. Could bows down this to the people of a were said? other, or has to look up to the other. Not in a proud and upright bearing, but relationship beon a bended knee, they accept each other, and the wonder of reconciliation isbridge fulfilled. ” better than it was Oliver Schuegraf, The Cross of Nails before the conflict? “A bridge of reconciliation has been built; the embracing arms hint at a strong and enduring link- yet still the gulf is notyour fullyarms bridged, andinthe knees of the. Oliver couple are “It is impossible to embrace with folded front of you. ” still widely separated; Schuegraf, The Cross of the Nailsprocess of reconciliation is not yet complete. However, the embrace gives a strong foretaste of that which is to come, and of how one day it might be. ” Oliver Schuegraf, The Cross of Nails

Drama: Paired Statues • In pairs, imagine you have been involved in a conflict (come up with own ideas or agree to a class scenario). How do you feel? What thoughts are going through your head? • Now, imagine you have come to reconcile. Can you make a body sculpture that represents reconciliation? • How does it feel as you approach your partner to connect? Imagine how that would feel after conflict. • What shapes have you chosen to show two people have transformed their conflict back into peace? Create an ‘empathy map’ in response to the activity you have just done.

Design your own reconciliatio n statue What materials can you use? What shape will your statue take? Will there be any words?

R E CROSS OF NAILS C I L E What does ‘reconciliation’ mean to you? Can you think of a time when you experienced reconciliation for yourself or to help others? How did it feel? Write your own ‘Reconciliation’ acrostic poem Did you initiate the reconciliation process or were you a reluctant (or willing) participant?

How might today’s lesson impact you next time you find yourself involved in a conflict?