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Belonging Together - Petersfield, Rugby & Art

Belonging Together - Petersfield, Rugby & Art

Paul Harrington10 Jul 2016 - 20:15
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Club man Jonathan Banasik and his PRFC shirt featured recently in an art exhibition at the world famous Tate Modern.

Jonathan was at the gallery to take part in an art project involving youngsters from England and Denmark and young refugees from war torn regions of the world. Working together, the teenagers gathered waste from the streets of London which they then used to create collaborative works of art that are now being exhibited at the Tate Modern.

As part of the process, each English attendee had to bring along an item that meant “belonging” to them and explain why. Jonny exhibited his Petersfield shirt and a rugby ball and put together an impromptu game outside the Tate on the banks of the Thames.

Jonny explained, “This Rugby shirt is from the local club I have belonged to for over a decade. My dad [Martin] was the coach and our sense of belonging to the community has grown together. The shirt represents teamwork, trust, respect, pride and commitment. The shirt belongs to me; however the opposite is also true for when playing, you are recognised by the emblem on your shirt and the club you belong to.”

The photograph of Jonny was one of a series taken by Ben Smith which paired refugees with new friends made in Denmark and the UK. Each portrait is shot by the sea or water to allude to migration and transience and includes an object chosen by the subject to signify belonging.

The photographic series is a part of BP Art Exchange display “Belonging Together” documenting participatory interventions devised by refugees, students and communities working alongside artist Albert Potrony in India, Denmark and the UK.

Belonging Together explores through film and photography Art’s capacity to create a social space for exchange and a sense of belonging. It is on display until 14 July at the McAulley Gallery and Screening Room in the Clore Learning Centre, Tate Modern.

www.tate.org.uk/learn/bpartexchange/bp-art-exchange-online-exhibition

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