Join us for an evening of creative art, reflection and music at Manchester Cathedral on Friday 18 September at 7pm. International artist Ghislaine Howard named ‘Woman of the Year’ in 2008 for her contribution to art and society will talk about her inspiration and practice in relation to her life size painting of The Return of the Prodigal Son currently on display at the cathedral until the Sunday 20 September.
Using Ghislaine’s painting as a touchstone, her husband Michael Howard, a renowned art historian will explore the history and some of the key issues that are suggested by The Return of the Prodigal Son. These lively and animated talks will be interspersed by music from ‘Epiphany’ who will delight us with their own improvised interpretation to the art work as well as some classical performances.
Ghislaine Howard said:
"The idea of painting the Return of the Prodigal Son was an enormous challenge - how to recreate a subject already given such magisterial form by Rembrandt and the great Russian film director, Andrei Tarkovsky. It is a subject that is perhaps at the very centre of everything I do; it goes straight to the heart of what it is to be human - our weaknesses and our strengths. It embodies the silence of the moment of forgiveness, reconciliation and redemption – in a word, compassion.”
This is a great opportunity to engage creatively with this important and well-loved story.
Drinks will be served in the main nave from 6.30pm allowing for an opportunity to chat with the artist.