Faces of Solidarity

My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.

Desmond Tutu

I was honored to be invited by an organization hosting a significant annual event, dedicated to commemorating the ideals of Saint Martin of Tours, to create a special artwork as a token of appreciation for the 300 volunteers who contribute to the success of this event. The only stipulation was that the artwork should embody the concept of 'sharing.' I translated this directive into a contemporary expression, emphasizing solidarity and the modern interpretation of assisting those in need.

This endeavor resulted in the creation of the series 'Acts of Mercy in the 21st Century - Faces of Contemporary Solidarity.' Within these artworks, I explore the parallels between Saint Martin, the patron saint of charity, and today's heroes of solidarity. The series comprises four portraits, each narrating the compelling stories of individuals who courageously found themselves in conflict with authorities due to their compassionate acts, such as rescuing migrants at sea or providing aid to migrants and asylum seekers. These portraits serve as a poignant call for reflection on the enduring value of compassion, particularly in a world where such benevolent acts are increasingly facing criminalization.

As a gesture of gratitude, each of the 300 volunteers has received a set of four cards featuring these thought-provoking portraits.

Faces of Solidarity © 2023 by Ellen Holleman is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0