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Ancient Bible's Story Illuminated by Light & Sound
8 Feb
Summary
- A new light and sound installation tells the story of Codex Amiatinus.
- The exhibition traces the history of writing and book-making.
- The Codex Amiatinus is considered the oldest complete Bible still intact.
A captivating light and sound installation titled 'Rivers of Ink' is currently touring the north-east of England throughout February, bringing to life the narrative of the Codex Amiatinus. This remarkable exhibition, a collaboration between London-based artists Karen Monid and Ross Ashton and Durham University researchers, traces the evolution of writing and book-making.
The installation culminates in the creation of the Codex Amiatinus in early eighth-century Northumbria. Researchers emphasize its importance as potentially the most significant surviving book from that era. Unlike more widely known texts, the Codex Amiatinus, created in Northumbria, deserves celebration for its profound legacy.
The tour includes significant locations such as the church of St Mary the Virgin on Holy Island and Newcastle's Blackfriars Restaurant, concluding at Durham Cathedral on February 23. The Codex Amiatinus was meticulously produced at the monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow, requiring extensive resources and skilled artisans.
Artists Monid and Ashton explored the human element behind its creation, reflecting on the scribes' experiences and achievements. They expressed privilege in developing a work that reintroduces this monumental book to the public in its region of origin.
