photo by Tom Greetham

photo by Tom Greetham

photo by Tom Greetham

photo by Tom Greetham

photo by Tom Greetham

photo by Tom Greetham

Making of kites

Ascension was a memorial arts project in memory of those who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. On Saturday 23^rd March, the four-year anniversary since the first UK lockdown began, specially made kites were flown on the Downs in Bristol. This allowed the participants an opportunity to remember their loved ones, celebrate their lives and grieve their loss at a time when much of the world is moving on from the effects of the pandemic. Due to the restrictions of the pandemic, for many families this was the first time they were able to get together to mourn the loss of their loved ones. The event saw both tears, memories, laughter and celebration for the lives of those who had passed.

This project was a way of supporting and connecting the community in the city and the act of flying the kites a form of healing for those taking part and for those watching.

Luke said “There’s something wonderful about flying kites. It’s a way to connect the ground, to the sky. Most cultures around the world, have a spiritual connection to the sky. The sky often represents transcendence, infinity, eternity, location of heaven and the residence of the gods. For this arts project,  each kite line physically and symbolically connects the participant flying the kite with the person represented on it. The act of holding the line can compared to the way we hold onto memories of the individuals we have lost.“

Here are some of the people we remember with this project.

Press
BBC news online
BBC Points West watch
Yahoo News
AOL 
Bristol Evening Post
MSN
Bristol 247
BBC in pictures

With Thanks
Thank you to Marie Curie for providing funding as part of Day of Reflection 2024.