Human Rights Arts Festival 2018

Co-exhibitors:

Ruwanthie de Chickera

The International Human Rights Art Festival event is a week-long series of art and performances at the intersection of advocacy, spirit and society. In 2018, the Festival comprises more than 30 events presenting unique works which brought together beauty, sincerity, vulnerability and engagement to open a space for healing, discussion and social change.

It captured the attention of crowds both online and at its unveiling, was David Cotterrel and Ruwanthie de Chickera’s “Just-Ice”- a six-foot-tall ice sculpture of the Parliament building. The ambitious yet successful structure was constructed twice; once at Independence Square and then again for the opening day of the exhibition.

Cotterrell recounted their daring reveal at Independence Square, observing its impact on the crowd.  Some snapped selfies, protest groups rallied behind it, children reached out to touch it, and the entire scene was electric.  However, all the while, the carving was subtly melting from within.

“Parliament’s dissolution took a long time. People stayed vigil, some lit candles and others sang songs.  Yet there was an undeniable sense of inevitability. Parliament was crumbling, seemingly collapsing from the inside.  A gasp rippled through the onlookers as the roof slid off. Without its familiar shape, it appeared more vulnerable, some even struggling to recognise it as Parliament.  This creative duo effectively conveyed their intended message.”

A short time-lapse video documenting the symbolic meltdown was projected at the gallery during the art festival.  Ruwanthie noted the ironic twist: the actual Parliament dissolved and collapsed faster than the ice sculpture, which stood for almost 24 hours at its second unveiling.