As the first words were projected on to the dome immediately after the Lord Mayor's firework display on Saturday night the crowds on the wobbly bridge, taken by surprise by this very different light show, automatically started reading the words as they appeared out loud & in unison. Whereas the building of the Tower of Babel splintered language, the words on the Dome seemed to be a step towards reconstructing the art of communication.
I live in Canada, and so I feel extremely lucky to have attended the projections at St. Paul’s Cathedral. I may live half a world away, but after being at The Question Mark Inside, I feel deeply connected to London, and to everyone around the world who posted their thoughts on what gives their lives meaning. It’s the diversity of individuality and feelings and experiences that make this world interesting. If there was only one answer to a question, the world would be a very dull and dreary place. It would be empty of thought.
However, lucky for us, Martin is a repository of wisdom and genius, and he understands the importance of freedom of expression, and also that we all experience life differently -we are all passionate about something -and that is what unifies us. Without Martin asking society these big chewy provocative questions, there would be no answers, and without answers, there would be no understanding, without understanding, there would be no change. He is using his talent for language to create positive social change, and to make us aware of the power of ideas.
His brilliance is irrefutable.
The Question Mark Inside is very important because it teaches us to value what is different rather than fearing it. We are all different -we think and feel and look and believe and love differently -and we need that collective appreciation of our difference because we need to protect our right to live our lives in our own unique ways without interference.
It is clear that Martin is the heart and moral center of London.
The world finds itself very lucky.
The most important thing that I learned from The Question Mark Inside projections, is that the freer we get, the happier we get. This projection reminds us to continually test the boundaries of our freedom -the freedom to experience life differently -to hold different viewpoints. The smart thing about this projection is the conflicting views about love, religion, politics, and even food. It is so great to know that we all love different things, and that we are all passionate about life in different ways. It is a reminder that we still have the freedom of expression, and how important it is that we don’t ever lose that right, and how desperately we need to protect it. Happiness depends on it.
When I think about it now, it seemed to have started with a single idea of Martin’s - his idea was only a departure point -as soon as it became a global collaboration of ideas, it was transformed by thought. Our thoughts shape the world, and Martin is helping us to shape it into something beautiful and alive.
He has put his full heart into this project -it is more than his autobiography -it is a portrait of who he is -he is an artist who is motivated by compassion, and who knows that action is the real factor for change. His writing spins us about, and holds our attention.
Thank you Martin, for being the brilliant, strange, passionate, compassionate, and beautiful person that you are.
I also want to thank you for adding my heart and mind and spirit to the projections. It means the world to me, and it is YOU that gives my life meaning.
These projections are beautiful, thought provoking and inspirational, particularly in a world at war, in recession, and in need of a change in communication to achieve a more hopeful future.
I fear Martin will not fully be appreciated until it's too late, but if only people would look to this and his other projects, their eyes would be opened and their beliefs challenged. The world is drowning in political red tape, but we are gagged and our hands bound, so still we can not speak out. These words shine like a beacon of hope, humour and political suggestion.
"What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare."
Those words were written by William Henry Davies, a poet who spent a significant amount of time living rough on the streets of London. I think that if he had been around this week, he would have joined those windswept, chilled people rushing by St Paul's Cathedral who, despite the biting wind, stopped to gaze up at the front wall. I think he would have approved of words as a thing of beauty.
It was a magic moment for me, to turn away from reading the words being projected and see all these people standing like statues, chins raised towards the sky. Some were still, some were discussing each projection, some were laughing. But they were all engaged, involved participants in a unifying work.
Attending the projections and reception was an absolute pleasure for me. Martin's work brought together strangers who left the evening as friends, it generated discussion between a brother and sister, and it left this particular viewer with a lasting memory.
Don't stop doing that thing you do, Martin! We need to be reminded to 'stop and stare' more often.
It was an honour to attend the projections and reception at St Paul's on Tuesday.
It was a thought provoking and emotionally moving night. Martin is a shining light in what can sometimes be a dark world. He's given a voice to the masses which is spreading hope, understanding and compassion but also challenging negative ideals. May your light shine on.
I felt very privileged to attend the projections and reception at St Paul's Cathedral last Tuesday night. The projected words were a thought-provoking and moving sight - curious and meaningful. And also very bold, especially given the venue ("God is a concept"). Some of the thoughts expressed were challenging... but that was an important part of their purpose. The Question Mark Inside is not only visually arresting, but there is something also genuinely very refreshing about it: supportive and uplifting. Thanks for doing this and sharing it with London.
For one week in London, the stars took a back seat for illuminating the sky above this great city.
Having been invited from Canada to see the projections was a once and a lifetime opportunity and I am privileged to have had that opportunity. There was a magic in the air.
While standing on the Millennium Bridge and looking at the skyline my eyes were instantly drawn to the poetic words projected on the dome of St. Paul's. No Chaos, No War, Think, Clarity... These were only a few words of many that felt as if a story was being told. The ordering of the words seemed perfect. Invoking thought and protest, love and happiness. I was truly blown away.
As much as I enjoyed watching the projections, I also really enjoyed sitting back and watching the people who walked by Cathedral and stopped. Watching their reactions and listening to there discussion on the words and sentence was very interesting. This is what the project is about. Getting people to think, to discuss. I had a smile on my face. The projections were an overwhelming success. I was very proud of Martin.
London is lucky to have Martin Firrell. His wisdom, knowledge, love and passion for free thought truly places him among the great thinkers in this world. He is something very special and has a greatness in him that hopefully one day the whole world will see.
Ok, I'm an American...I don't believe a church is the proper place for political statements, whatever side, much less those that against government policies. Separation of church and state and all that rubish, right? Also, Iraq is better off now than it ever was under Sadam. Why apoligize? Iraqis should thank us British and Americans for our willingness to fight and die for their democracy. Democracy won in any country has always been a hard fought often bloody affair. God Bless England and God Bless America and God Bless those not afraid or too politically correct to fight for freedom.
Once again the question arises: What happens in a power cut ? Another person here describes this work as the 'heart and moral centre of London'; so does that heart and centre disappear if the electricity goes down ?
Having visited today, I would like to leave my impressions;
St Paul’s
Towering above the teeming street, Blocks of stone with glass replete, Stability, mystery, in joint construction, A place of God, which has defied destruction.
Portland stone, in mellowing yellow, Echoing values from ages long ago, Duty and Service, Valour and honours, Memories held within your bowers.
Empires have been built and crumbled, Politicians rose and stumbled, Still and steadfast you remain, Lending prestige with your name.
Concentric circles high above, Artistry, devoted to your love, What a great imagination drew, That picture of you, now in view.
Reaching upwards is your heart, There, evidence of Architects craft, Wooden beams that hold the dome, Only to the brave are shown.
In your bowels you hold the keys, Men whose memory never leaves, Held within your rock embrace, Britons who have left a trace.
Centre of the nation’s thoughts When at times we’re brought to nought, Then we gather in your porches, Ready once more, to light the torches. 26 November 2009
I was moved by the simplicity and perfection of the human reactions to the projections, people themselves are actually the artwork, moving about and reacting to the world in front of them, we absorb, we contemplate, we wonder.
Yesterday I watched the TV documentary on 'The question mark inside'. Sadly,I missed the project itself. I actually shed a tear. Not something I am given to. What prompted the tear (it was just the one!) 'Those summers in Capri when we were young'. It seems, on the face of it, to be a little twee,'cheesy'even, but the frequency on which those words exist resonated with something in the heart of me regarding aging and loss, missed opportunities and a gnawing fear that my chance has gone. Curiously, however, I was left with my faith in people and in Art, restored and a deep respect for Martin and his work
Hi there, I'm from Australia and I really cannot put it into words how beautiful and profound your work is and thank you so very much. I am an internal artist, that is, I love art but have never since I was very young done it in any great way. Thank you so much Martin, you are a modern contemporary artist who would have been at home in Christopher Wren's time too. You deserve a medal, all the very best and take care Elizabeth
I have just finished watching a documentary about your St Paul's project on SBS here in Australia. I just loved watching this documentary - and becoming educated (rather later than many others, it seems) about who you are and what you do. I can only blame it on living in rural Australia for the last 11years - although this is a poor excuse - I am surely nothing more than a cultural & artistic Philistine!
Well - my main reason for writing is that I feel compelled to respond to the closing comments you made - about how we are all 'just as confused as each other' about life's meaning and 'making it up' as we go along... (or words to that effect - I hope I don't misquote or misrepresent you).
I'd just like to share that I once felt the same about my life... but no more!
I can honestly say, with my hand, on my heart that I am someone who has truly found my meaning, my answers, my reason, my life, my everything through faith in Jesus.
The statement: "I once was lost but now am found" absolutely applies to me and I believe many other believers.
I may not always have the answers, or be quite sure of what I am meant to be doing - but I am no longer 'muddling through'.
I now have absolute faith in where the answers lie - or rather to whom I should go to for them - and in God's promise to give them. I know that Jesus is my model for how to live - and if I'm feeling unsure of my next step, I need only turn to Him in prayer or read the Gospels. Likewise for when I need forgiveness.
"Ask and it will be given unto you; seek and you will find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you!"
This is God's promise to us - to love HIm is to love others - to serve Him is to serve others - and to press into this work further each day we live is to truly live.
God bless you - and all who supported and worked with you, Martin on this project. It was wonderful to witness your quest for meaning, to share in a snippet of your own seeking and to see how wonderfully you facilitated others to seek and share the results of their efforts, through your wonderful work.
18 comments:
Strange and beautiful. Like life itself.
As the first words were projected on to the dome immediately after the Lord Mayor's firework display on Saturday night the crowds on the wobbly bridge, taken by surprise by this very different light show, automatically started reading the words as they appeared out loud & in unison. Whereas the building of the Tower of Babel splintered language, the words on the Dome seemed to be a step towards reconstructing the art of communication.
I live in Canada, and so I feel extremely lucky to have attended the projections at St. Paul’s Cathedral. I may live half a world away, but after being at The Question Mark Inside, I feel deeply connected to London, and to everyone around the world who posted their thoughts on what gives their lives meaning. It’s the diversity of individuality and feelings and experiences that make this world interesting. If there was only one answer to a question, the world would be a very dull and dreary place. It would be empty of thought.
However, lucky for us, Martin is a repository of wisdom and genius, and he understands the importance of freedom of expression, and also that we all experience life differently -we are all passionate about something -and that is what unifies us. Without Martin asking society these big chewy provocative questions, there would be no answers, and without answers, there would be no understanding, without understanding, there would be no change. He is using his talent for language to create positive social change, and to make us aware of the power of ideas.
His brilliance is irrefutable.
The Question Mark Inside is very important because it teaches us to value what is different rather than fearing it. We are all different -we think and feel and look and believe and love differently -and we need that collective appreciation of our difference because we need to protect our right to live our lives in our own unique ways without interference.
It is clear that Martin is the heart and moral center of London.
The world finds itself very lucky.
The most important thing that I learned from The Question Mark Inside projections, is that the freer we get, the happier we get. This projection reminds us to continually test the boundaries of our freedom -the freedom to experience life differently -to hold different viewpoints. The smart thing about this projection is the conflicting views about love, religion, politics, and even food. It is so great to know that we all love different things, and that we are all passionate about life in different ways. It is a reminder that we still have the freedom of expression, and how important it is that we don’t ever lose that right, and how desperately we need to protect it. Happiness depends on it.
When I think about it now, it seemed to have started with a single idea of Martin’s - his idea was only a departure point -as soon as it became a global collaboration of ideas, it was transformed by thought. Our thoughts shape the world, and Martin is helping us to shape it into something beautiful and alive.
He has put his full heart into this project -it is more than his autobiography -it is a portrait of who he is -he is an artist who is motivated by compassion, and who knows that action is the real factor for change. His writing spins us about, and holds our attention.
Thank you Martin, for being the brilliant, strange, passionate, compassionate, and beautiful person that you are.
I also want to thank you for adding my heart and mind and spirit to the projections. It means the world to me, and it is YOU that gives my life meaning.
I love you,
Kelly Harker
These projections are beautiful, thought provoking and inspirational, particularly in a world at war, in recession, and in need of a change in communication to achieve a more hopeful future.
I fear Martin will not fully be appreciated until it's too late, but if only people would look to this and his other projects, their eyes would be opened and their beliefs challenged. The world is drowning in political red tape, but we are gagged and our hands bound, so still we can not speak out. These words shine like a beacon of hope, humour and political suggestion.
SCP
"What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare."
Those words were written by William Henry Davies, a poet who spent a significant amount of time living rough on the streets of London. I think that if he had been around this week, he would have joined those windswept, chilled people rushing by St Paul's Cathedral who, despite the biting wind, stopped to gaze up at the front wall. I think he would have approved of words as a thing of beauty.
It was a magic moment for me, to turn away from reading the words being projected and see all these people standing like statues, chins raised towards the sky. Some were still, some were discussing each projection, some were laughing. But they were all engaged, involved participants in a unifying work.
Attending the projections and reception was an absolute pleasure for me. Martin's work brought together strangers who left the evening as friends, it generated discussion between a brother and sister, and it left this particular viewer with a lasting memory.
Don't stop doing that thing you do, Martin! We need to be reminded to 'stop and stare' more often.
Shugz :o)
The projections onto the dome moved me to tears.
It was an honour to attend the projections and reception at St Paul's on Tuesday.
It was a thought provoking and emotionally moving night. Martin is a shining light in what can sometimes be a dark world. He's given a voice to the masses which is spreading hope, understanding and compassion but also challenging negative ideals. May your light shine on.
As always, you're wonderfully unpredictable.
I felt very privileged to attend the projections and reception at St Paul's Cathedral last Tuesday night. The projected words were a thought-provoking and moving sight - curious and meaningful. And also very bold, especially given the venue ("God is a concept"). Some of the thoughts expressed were challenging... but that was an important part of their purpose. The Question Mark Inside is not only visually arresting, but there is something also genuinely very refreshing about it: supportive and uplifting. Thanks for doing this and sharing it with London.
For one week in London, the stars took a back seat for illuminating the sky above this great city.
Having been invited from Canada to see the projections was a once and a lifetime opportunity and I am privileged to have had that opportunity. There was a magic in the air.
While standing on the Millennium Bridge and looking at the skyline my eyes were instantly drawn to the poetic words projected on the dome of St. Paul's. No Chaos, No War, Think, Clarity... These were only a few words of many that felt as if a story was being told. The ordering of the words seemed perfect. Invoking thought and protest, love and happiness. I was truly blown away.
As much as I enjoyed watching the projections, I also really enjoyed sitting back and watching the people who walked by Cathedral and stopped. Watching their reactions and listening to there discussion on the words and sentence was very interesting. This is what the project is about. Getting people to think, to discuss. I had a smile on my face. The projections were an overwhelming success. I was very proud of Martin.
London is lucky to have Martin Firrell. His wisdom, knowledge, love and passion for free thought truly places him among the great thinkers in this world. He is something very special and has a greatness in him that hopefully one day the whole world will see.
Like a dream painted by a great artist.
Ok, I'm an American...I don't believe a church is the proper place for political statements, whatever side, much less those that against government policies. Separation of church and state and all that rubish, right? Also, Iraq is better off now than it ever was under Sadam. Why apoligize? Iraqis should thank us British and Americans for our willingness to fight and die for their democracy. Democracy won in any country has always been a hard fought often bloody affair. God Bless England and God Bless America and God Bless those not afraid or too politically correct to fight for freedom.
Once again the question arises: What happens in a power cut ? Another person here describes this work as the 'heart and moral centre of London'; so does that heart and centre disappear if the electricity goes down ?
Having visited today, I would like to leave my impressions;
St Paul’s
Towering above the teeming street,
Blocks of stone with glass replete,
Stability, mystery, in joint construction,
A place of God, which has defied destruction.
Portland stone, in mellowing yellow,
Echoing values from ages long ago,
Duty and Service, Valour and honours,
Memories held within your bowers.
Empires have been built and crumbled,
Politicians rose and stumbled,
Still and steadfast you remain,
Lending prestige with your name.
Concentric circles high above,
Artistry, devoted to your love,
What a great imagination drew,
That picture of you, now in view.
Reaching upwards is your heart,
There, evidence of Architects craft,
Wooden beams that hold the dome,
Only to the brave are shown.
In your bowels you hold the keys,
Men whose memory never leaves,
Held within your rock embrace,
Britons who have left a trace.
Centre of the nation’s thoughts
When at times we’re brought to nought,
Then we gather in your porches,
Ready once more, to light the torches.
26 November 2009
I was moved by the simplicity and perfection of the human reactions to the projections, people themselves are actually the artwork, moving about and reacting to the world in front of them, we absorb, we contemplate, we wonder.
Yesterday I watched the TV documentary on 'The question mark inside'. Sadly,I missed the project itself. I actually shed a tear. Not something I am given to. What prompted the tear (it was just the one!) 'Those summers in Capri when we were young'. It seems, on the face of it, to be a little twee,'cheesy'even, but the frequency on which those words exist resonated with something in the heart of me regarding aging and loss, missed opportunities and a gnawing fear that my chance has gone. Curiously, however, I was left with my faith in people and in Art, restored and a deep respect for Martin and his work
Hi there,
I'm from Australia and I really cannot put it into words how beautiful and profound your work is and thank you so very much. I am an internal artist, that is, I love art but have never since I was very young done it in any great way.
Thank you so much Martin, you are a modern contemporary artist who would have been at home in Christopher Wren's time too.
You deserve a medal,
all the very best and take care
Elizabeth
Dear Martin and anyone who reads this,
I have just finished watching a documentary about your St Paul's project on SBS here in Australia. I just loved watching this documentary - and becoming educated (rather later than many others, it seems) about who you are and what you do. I can only blame it on living in rural Australia for the last 11years - although this is a poor excuse - I am surely nothing more than a cultural & artistic Philistine!
Well - my main reason for writing is that I feel compelled to respond to the closing comments you made - about how we are all 'just as confused as each other' about life's meaning and 'making it up' as we go along... (or words to that effect - I hope I don't misquote or misrepresent you).
I'd just like to share that I once felt the same about my life... but no more!
I can honestly say, with my hand, on my heart that I am someone who has truly found my meaning, my answers, my reason, my life, my everything through faith in Jesus.
The statement: "I once was lost but now am found" absolutely applies to me and I believe many other believers.
I may not always have the answers, or be quite sure of what I am meant to be doing - but I am no longer 'muddling through'.
I now have absolute faith in where the answers lie - or rather to whom I should go to for them - and in God's promise to give them. I know that Jesus is my model for how to live - and if I'm feeling unsure of my next step, I need only turn to Him in prayer or read the Gospels. Likewise for when I need forgiveness.
"Ask and it will be given unto you; seek and you will find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you!"
This is God's promise to us - to love HIm is to love others - to serve Him is to serve others - and to press into this work further each day we live is to truly live.
God bless you - and all who supported and worked with you, Martin on this project. It was wonderful to witness your quest for meaning, to share in a snippet of your own seeking and to see how wonderfully you facilitated others to seek and share the results of their efforts, through your wonderful work.
Many thanks
Julia
NSW, Australia
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