PORTRAITS by the celebrated Belfast artist Colin Davidson are to be displayed at Stormont as part of a programme of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey said the programme will run from March to July 2023, with a range of public events and activities including the opportunity to view Mr Davidson's Silent Testimony exhibition - which tells the stories of 18 people who suffered loss during the Troubles.
Mr Maskey said: “The 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and the Assembly is a significant and transformational milestone which should be marked. It is important that this is not just an occasion for politicians to talk to themselves. I am therefore very pleased that the Assembly’s programme of events which has commenced this week offers increased opportunities for the public to visit Parliament Buildings, which has been the setting for many of our significant political moments over these 25 years.”
Mr Davidson sad it was a privilege to display the work at Parliament Buildings.
"In many ways, this body of work represents my response to the Good Friday Agreement and my desire to acknowledge the massive section of our community daily living with their own stories of loss," he said.
"It is my hope that these eighteen portrait paintings shine a light on the ongoing legacy of grief endured by victims and survivors of the conflict years. I would like to thank the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, National Museums NI and WAVE Trauma Centre for their support in enabling the public to view ‘Silent Testimony’ in this iconic location during this anniversary period.”
Mr Maskey added: “While there have undoubtedly been many difficulties and frustrations over the years, this 25th anniversary is an opportunity for us to reflect on what has been achieved, particularly the building of a predominantly peaceful society. It is also the time for us to focus on the work that remains to be done, which will undoubtedly be challenging but is necessary to build a prosperous and shared future for all of us.”
Tickets to view the exhibition are free and can be booked via www.niassembly.gov.uk/25years.
