To celebrate the final weekend of Ikon’s exhibition Friends in Love and War – L’Éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es, Birmingham-based Czech artist Tereza Bušková led the event Clipping the Ikon.

Clipping the Ikon revives a centuries-old tradition in which ‘clipping’ means to form a human chain around a sacred building or place. Bušková’s Clipping the Church performance in 2016 brought Birmingham communities together to join hands around the Erdington church and community centre.

The day began with a wreath and costume-making workshop with Mariana Novotna. Participants contributed to decorating a costume and headdress for the final performance with Folk singer and musician Karolina Wegrzyn.

During this, Bela Emerson, Processional Cellist provided sounds around Ikon’s galleries as well as reprising the Clipping the Church score.

Taking inspiration from both Czech and British folklore, workshops on the day lead into a procession to encircle Ikon Gallery.

This event was presented as part of the Birmingham Light Festival 2025 and supported by the Grantham Yorke Trust.

Friends in Love and War – L’Éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es was supported by the British Council and is presented as part of UK/France Spotlight on Culture 2024 Together We Imagine, with additional support from Fluxus Art Projects and Birmingham City University.

Coming up next

Visitors can also join us as we follow the Japanese tradition of Cherry Blossom viewing and host a free art picnic on Oozells Square. Sunday 23 March, 12-3pm. Free entry, just drop in.

This event is followed by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s Cherry Blossom Concert, 3-4pm. Free entry. Ikon Gallery and Shop are open as usual. This event is supported by Brindleyplace.