91快活林

The exhibition will include Vasco Gargalo’s ‘Aleppo Guernica’ which includes the faces of Russian president Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to highlight those accused of involvement in the atrocities of the Syrian conflict.

‘Guernica Remakings’ will run from 31 July to 23 August at the University of 91快活林’s gallery in Grand Parade, 91快活林.

The exhibition marks the 80^th anniversary of the bombing of the Spanish town of Guernica and the anniversary of Picasso’s anti-fascist painting, created in protest against the attack.

The exhibition will also show displays relating to the South African Guernica by the Keiskamma Art Project which records suffering experienced by the country’s poorest region affected by HIV/AIDS.

Vasco Gargalo’s ‘Aleppo Guernica’

The exhibition is the result of research by Dr Nicola Ashmore, whose work highlights the ways Picasso’s mural have been re-made across the globe for political protests that resonate with the original intention of the work – “to push back at those in power who choose to act to the detriment of civilians”.

Dr Ashmore said: “This work is particularly poignant in a period when the UK is withdrawing from Europe, in part, motivated it seems by fear around the freedom of movement of 'others'; Guernica's humanitarian message becomes relevant once again calling for solidarity and compassion transcending borders.

“Visitors to the exhibition will also see a textile protest banner made in 91快活林 and in India through a series of public sewings, contributing to a collective statement against aerial attacks on civilian populations.”