Tyreis’’s workshops focused on community care and creating spaces of safety and creativity. She expanded the group’s understanding of textiles and art by teaching new skills such as block printing, heat transfer with oil pastels, and t-shirt printing. The collaborative nature of the project allowed the voices and stories of the young people involved to be expressed vividly, and even for them to teach Tyreis some new bracelet-making skills.
‘The workshops allowed young people to express themselves using their creative minds (in a way) that may not have been explored in the past’
Young person from SLRA’s response to the workshops with Tyreis Holder
This is the artist’s first public artwork and has been designed to have a years long lasting impact at the market. Supported Love Reaches All mirrors the collective creativity of the young group who collaborated with the artist to make the work possible. Incorporating elements from Peckham’s distinctive history of textiles such as Batik and Ankara prints, the artwork acknowledges the diverse stories of the group and respects the cultural tapestry of Peckham. Within the brightly coloured work are symbols of care and community, such as hands holding hearts and the continent of Africa, reflecting the cultural heritage and experiences of the participants.
She hopes that viewers will feel joy and a strong sense of community care when they see the artwork. The vibrant colours are intended to uplift spirits and reinforce the heritage and unity of the Peckham area.
“I really wanted to focus on community care and think about how I can create new spaces of safety. I wanted to teach them something new and expand what they think art can be.”
Tyreis Holder
Holder’s commission is part of Rye Lane Reconnected a community-led creative programme seeking to support engagement and collaboration between leading social artists, local residents and frontline community groups to collaboratively commission and create artworks for Peckham’s historic and iconic Rye Lane.
This co-commission was made possible with generous funding and support from Arts Council England, Art Fund, Culture Together, Cleaner Greener Safer and Neighbourhoods Fund, London Borough of Southwark and Grocers’ Charity.
Images © Tolu Elusadé
