Sacred Things: Elalmadinah …To The City

About

For this fascinating exhibition Hingley has collaborated with Syrian refugees who have recently been welcomed to Coventry on a unique UN programme. The work draws on the stories and experiences of the Syrian individuals, and explores symbols both of the past and of contemporary life.

Historically, honored visitors were presented symbolic keys to the city gates. In this exhibition, the sim card given to refugees on landing in the UK appears as the present-day key to the city. The sim card offers a direct link to scattered loved ones and a collection of photographic memories. As an object and tool it offers an immediate sense of security, identity and home in a new place.

Presented within an immersive installation, keys from the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum’s collections represent the city’s eclectic history alongside illuminated photographs of silver sim cards portraying messages from Syrian individuals to their new city.