Plight of refugees explored through their clothing in cathedral artwork

Suspended by Arabella Dorman is a collection of hundreds of items of refugee clothing found mainly on beaches on the Greek island of Lesbos and garments left behind in the camps of Calais.

The illuminated artwork hangs from the nave of Canterbury Cathedral and appears to hover around three metres from the ground.

The work was unveiled on Thursday and is on display until May 16, a cathedral spokeswoman said.

First shown in December at St James’s Church in London, Ms Dorman’s work attracted international attention.

rtist Arabella Dorman puts the final touches to her piece called Suspended, which is displayed in the Nave of Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, and is made up of hundreds of items of refugee clothing found largely on the beaches of the Greek island Lesbos

She said: “My interest lies in the men, women and children behind the headlines, the individual stories behind the politics. I attempt to illuminate and to reveal the human face of conflict, and to find light in the darkest corners of existence.”

The cathedral’s Canon Treasurer, the Reverend Nick Papadopulos, said: “In Lent Christians remember the days when Jesus was driven into the wilderness; in Holy Week we remember his suffering at the hands of imperial power.

“Arabella Dorman’s Suspended is a powerful call to us to remember – and pray for – those driven from their homes and those who suffer at the hands of power today.”

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

Artwork created using the clothing of refugees and suspended in mid-air has been placed in a cathedral to highlight their suffering.