Harmoni was a multi sensory art exhibition. Hosted by Canolfan Calon Taf for the Morfydd Owen Festival in Pontypridd, 12-16 October 2024.
Harmoni was created by Lio Cheung and Lois Adams; EOS Collective.
Commissioned by Parc Arts the purpose is to visually explore themes of art and faith in Morfydd’s music. Lio & Lois enjoyed the journey thoroughly, diving into Morfydd’s rich and vast catalogue. Lio, Lois and the EOS Collective are proud to share with you three re-imagined songs: “God Made a Lovely Garden”, “Gweddi y Pechadur” and “The Lamb”.
1. Inspired by Morfydd Owen's “God Made a Lovely Garden”, this fabric installation reflects the divine love and creativity found in nature. As the lyrics speak of a garden 'full of roses, and all the sweetness of the world” we bring this vision to life with crochet and fabric flowers of various shapes and sizes. Visitors are invited not only to touch but to create and add their own flowers which will be part of this celebrative installation. The audience are invited to immerse themselves in its beauty, soaking in the wonder of this handmade garden. This evolving artwork offers a space for reflection, connection with others but also to ponder creation and the “secret of its graces”.
2. ‘The Lamb’ song, inspired the artists, Lois Adams and Lio Cheung to create a series of multi-media artwork. They range from paintings, drawings and collages. This simple song about a lamb has profound depths. The Christian Bible describes Jesus as the Lamb for a number of reasons. One reason is that “He is meek and he is mild”. Another is the similarity between the sacrificial lamb of the Jewish Passover festival and Jesus’ death on the cross, saving whoever believes in Him. This vulnerable, small lamb is not what it seems!
3. Moved by ‘The Sinner’s Prayer’ music, words and their personal experience, artists Lio Cheung and Lois Adams where compelled to express their emotions through their bodies captured by this slow-moving photo collage.
In addition to the lyrics, a personal understanding of repentance (coming as a unholy person before a holy God, and receiving undeserved forgiveness) influenced and enhanced the artists’ movements, combining tension, shame, guilt but also anticipation as the hymn writer describes Christ as the source of healing. View the whole video piece on youtube: https://youtu.be/JhL3AasSsjw
Lio and Lois were commissioned by Parc Arts and exhibited in Canolfan Calon Taff, Pontypridd for the first Morfydd Owen Festival 2024.