The Artwork
In Memoriam is made from over 80 flags which were created from NHS bed sheets and arranged to form a medical logo in white and NHS blue.
The installation remembers all those we have lost from the pandemic, as well as being a tribute to all the biomedical researchers and health and care workers who have gone above and beyond.
Presented in open-air locations across the country during the past two years, In Memoriam has allowed people to enter, contemplate and explore. The artwork is also a venue for events and over the course of the last two years has hosted choirs, dance troupes, poetry recitals, remembrance memorials and classical concerts.
Luke Jerram, artist of In Memoriam says: “The aim of this artwork was to act as a safe place for people to visit, contemplate and remember. It’s been humbling to see, hear and experience the vast array of different ways people and communities have used the project to grieve those lost, and pay thanks for those who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic.”
Cambridge Biomedical Campus has played an important role throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, it’s a fitting backdrop to use for the conclusion of the tour of In Memoriam.
About Luke Jerram
Luke Jerram’s (opens in a new tab) multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally for 24 years, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe.
In 2018 he was Visiting Fellow Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of West of England. In 2020 he received an Honorary Degree – Doctor of Letters from the University of Bristol.
Events Programme
In Memoriam will be the backdrop to a range of events aimed at bringing the Cambridge Biomedical Campus community to come together:
Monday 27 June - Friday 1 July, CUH Arts Festival
A range of free lunchtime activities programmed by the CUH Arts team, including creative writing with poet Hannah Jane Walker, movement workshop with dance artist Filipa Pereira-Stubbs, an art-making workshop with Josh Bilton, and live music from Britten Sinfonia and The King’s Men.
Tuesday 12 July, 12pm-3pm, Campus Picnic
Bring your lunch (or order from delicious food trucks) and enjoy a free drop-in picnic, held for all campus employees. There will be picnic blankets, giant games to share, circus performers – all to the sounds of Snaps Chaps Strolling Band.
Tuesday 12 July, 6pm, ‘The Dark Heals’ Sound Experience
In Memoriam will conclude with the launch of ‘The Dark Heals’, composer Andrea Cockerton’s year-long project with campus employees to produce an immersive musical experience to reflect the range of personal experiences through the COVID-19 pandemic. More information on this event will be released soon.
Commissioned by Weston Arts + Health Weekender. Supported by Without Walls and FESTIVAL.ORG.
Informed by the Wellcome Trust-funded ‘Weather Lives’ project, led by Dr Cassie Phoenix at Durham University.
