Fi Bunn Exhibition, Thursday 24 April – Tuesday 27 May 2025
GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL, STAG HILL, GUILDFORD, GU2 7UP ~ admission free
From 24 April to 27 May, an enriching experience on how to encourage a climate of hope in the midst of environmental challenges.
Daily: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 8:30am-4:30pm, Sun 11am-4:30pm. Exception: 30 April, 1/2 May, exhibition n/a. Recommend checking opening hours with Cathedral before arrival 01483 547860.
MEET THE ARTIST on SATURDAY 24TH MAY, 11AM-1PM
Pop along to enjoy the art works at “Lifting my eyes: a story of ascents”, chat about the mountains, and how we can make a difference starting from this year of glaciers 2025.
“When it rains, it rains more” Professor Ed Hawkins, Climate Scientist, University of Reading
These were the words I heard during a great talk at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) by Ed Hawkins called “Our Changing Climate; why does 1 degree C matter”. As scientist grapple and communicate the complex issues around changes in our climate, I think artists have a unique, personal perspective. As I am often working alone in the mountains, I observe the view, the science, the geographic and cultural impact.
Creating a climate of hope
“Lifting my eyes: a story of ascents” is my annual exhibition contribution to my local community, based on alpine photographs I have taken, mostly recently within the past 2 years. Along with the images, there are contributions of positives taking place, including the work of G.A.P.S. 24-25 (Global Atmospheric Plastics Survey) and Katharine Hayhoe, assessing the impact of changes on human systems and the natural environment. All help to create a climate of hope.
Change in the mountains does not happen in an instant. Even so, there is an acceleration of incidents. I have heard of the reduction of 25 metres per year in the Zinal Glacier, Pennine Alps, Switzerland. There is the double impact of spring flooding as the glaciers release the water from the ancient ice, then rivers dry in the summer impacting the pastures below.
Whilst I see the glacial reduction, the mountains continue to be a place of hope and peace for me. I join the hikers, as they cross the vastness of the glacier, the snow muffling the sound of our boots. We never walk alone, such is the danger of the unseen crevasses some 30 metres below.
Even with these risks, it is a paradise of quiet hope
In the midst of potential catastrophe, the beautiful wild spaces of the Pennine Alps see nature flourishing. Fauna and flora inhabit every slope and peak, bar the gray gashes of glacial ablation, with alpine choughs circling the sky, as Ibex climb the mountain paths. The realisation of the glacial reduction impact is now acknowledged by the UN with the first World Glacier Day to be marked on 21 March, and 2025 declared international year of glaciers. My art exhibition contributes to a wider emerging vision:
- Of interesting science projects
- Engaging cultures and people
- All supporting a climate of hope
Fi Photos, Alpine Photographer ~ www.fiphotos.org ~ Instagram @fialpine ~ All images reserved.