100 Days
From 20th November to 3rd December 2008, a professional artist, Jason Butler and the MAT Fundraising Coordinator, Sam Evans traveled to Rwanda to see the Mines Awareness Trust (MAT) de-mining projects in action.
After the Genocide in 1994, Rwanda was left with 16 minefields that had a direct effect on civilians in Rwanda. Agriculture is the main source of employment so obviously land is the most important asset to the country. Not only have these minefields taken victims, they also created fear within communities. MAT is coming towards the completion of de-mining all 16 minefields.
The Mines Awareness Trust is an organisation that has been a part of the Mine Action world for the past 10 years. MAT has worked in Sri Lanka and Uganda and is currently working in The Sudan, Kosovo and Rwanda. MAT aims to clear mines in countries that are affected by war to allow communities to regain their livelihoods on the land they once lived on.
The aim is to exhibit exactly how the de-mining project works in Rwanda, the importance of it and the determination and ability of the de-miners. It is a way to celebrate the freedom of Rwanda and to document the ways in which the land is cleared of mines.
Jason Butler studied for his foundation course at Bristol Art College and at Cheltenham Art College for his fine art degree. Jason has achieved considerable success in Jersey, winning and receiving notable commissions such as commemorating the Queens visit in 2001 for the Jersey Government and has had his work accepted twice for The British Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Jason’s work deals primarily with the human figure. The role of the outsider and the general public’s reaction to them has played a large part in Jason’s output particularly over the past several years. Drawing is integral to Jason’s practice specifically in the development of ideas and documenting events and experiences. Producing drawings ‘on the spot’ and responding to the circumstances and experiences at any given moment has particular appeal, not only in an artistic sense but also in how the drawings can communicate to a large audience.
In March 09, Jason exhibited his work ‘100 DAYS’ in ‘The Gallery’ at St. Peter Port Guernsey for three weeks..
Both Jason and Samantha will work together at the exhibition in Jersey and it is hoped that funds and awareness will be raised for MAT. Jason will be giving a series of talks about the project to a number of institutions.
This project is being sponsored by HSBC Private Bank where it is hoped funds and important awareness will be raised about the effects of UXO's on countries like Rwanda.
'HSBC Private Bank is proud to support the partnership between Jason Butler and the Mines Awareness Trust. Marketing and Communications manager, Steve Eldridge said: "We are always delighted to work with artists and designers who are able to bring their own unique interpretations to an event or situation and offer interesting perspectives. Documenting the work of the Mines Awareness Trust though drawing is an inspired idea and we are looking forward to the exhibitions in Guernsey and Jersey in 2009".
Private View: Monday 19th October, 5.30 - 7.00pm. Kate Adie will be officially opening the exhibition in Jersey.
