Hidden down alleyways and in the nooks and crannies of Manchester’s walls, in the heat of yesterday two local artists were busy squirreling away precious pieces of art to brighten the days of their fellow Mancs.
Michah Purnell, a text-based artist well known for the typographic work that took over Wembley Park during the Euros, and Rachel Ho, a ceramicist inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, have each created 120 miniature pieces for the public to find in the city over the coming week.
Image: Supplied
These come in the form of gold-scarred ceramic pots, deliberately slashed and filled with gold lustre, and a series of oak engravings that read ‘You Are Enough’ – a phrase of Micah’s that has frequently appeared on giant banners and billboards across Manchester in recent years.
The scarred pots were originally inspired by a dear friend of Rachel’s who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Rachel wanted her to know that her scars were beautiful because they told her story which was one of courage, hope and healing.
From now to 29 July, the artists will each be going out daily to conceal their pieces in hard-to-spot places in the hopes they will be found and kept as gifts by the people of Manchester.
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Image: Supplied
Each piece will also be accompanied by an invitation for the finder to share the circumstances in which it was found and how the discovery of the piece resonated with them.
Although the trail has only been going for a day, there are already comments – all anonymous – on the website from people who have discovered the pieces.
One person shared how Rachel’s scarred pots gave them comfort as they healed from breast cancer surgery, writing: “The scarred pot, an ingenious project. It resonated with me as I continue to embrace my recovery and healing from recent breast cancer surgery. Thank you!”
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Another said: “I love the ridges I can feel from it being thrown on the wheel, and the brightness of the gold-filled scar. The scars of my depression are invisible, but still a part of who I am. Thank you, for brightening up my day.”
The project aims to help people feel seen and less alone, to recognise we all have our daily battles and to create a sense of hope and healing.
The Passion Art project, entitled ‘Gift to the City’, is dedicated to founder Lesley Sutton, who, after five years of living with terminal illness, is drawing very close to the end of this life.
Lesley founded Passion Art to build bridges between sacred and secular spaces through art. She is as beautiful in dying as she has been in living.
Image: Supplied
Speaking on the project, artist Micah, whose clients include The Guardian, Elbow and the NHS, said: “I hope the phrase You Are Enough will help people to cut themselves some slack from the ever demanding voices in society and recognise the spark of beauty in themselves.”
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“My work is a lot about togetherness and self-worth. The oak reminders are made by Chapel-in-the-fields who use wood as a vehicle to work with people who have mental health vulnerabilities.”
With today forecast to be the hottest day on record, it might not be the best time to go out and about hunting for tiny pieces of hidden artwork – but don’t worry, because new pieces will be added daily between now and Friday 29 July, giving you plenty of opportunity to find one once the heatwave has subsided.
Feature image – Supplied
News
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Survivors Manchester – Call 0161 236 2182.
Featured Image – Robert Cuts (via Flickr)
News
Referees admit Manchester City’s derby-winning goal over Manchester United was a VAR ‘error’
Emily Sergeant
Referees have admitted that Manchester City’s winning goal during yesterday’s Manchester derby was a VAR ‘error’.
In case you didn’t tune into the Manchester derby yesterday – which was held at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford – star striker Erling Haaland’s goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 victory – in the end, even after fellow City player Phil Foden was given a straight red card and sent off in the twenty third minute.
Haaland‘s goal was initially deemed offside on the pitch, before VAR overruled the decision.
New City signing Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez appeared to impact the defending of Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
Following the full-time whistle, United’s manager Michael Carrick said it was ‘worrying’ that the goal was allowed to stand, claiming that there was no ‘grey area’ when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he commented.
Pundit and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, also expressed confusion at the decision, declaring on Sky Sports after the game: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville said he thinks that referee Michael Oliver will be ‘nervous’ about the goal yesterday, as will the rest of the officials.
Pro Ref has admitted an 'error of judgement' in awarding Manchester City's winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland's goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision. pic.twitter.com/ZF76Qwz4Ib
And now, less than 24 hours after the match ended, refereeing body Pro Ref has since made what Sky Sports is calling an ‘unusual intervention by confirming that a review of the goal will take place.
A spokesperson for Pro Ref said in a statement: “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.
Georgina Pellant -
19th July 2022 
