"Victim, no resurrection”

Terry Duffy

"Victim, no resurrection", challenges the more fortunate and those in authority to remember the plight of those who are the real victims.

“Victim, no resurrection”, was painted in aftermath of the 1981 riots in the UK and has become even more pertinent today than it was then. In the early 80's the issues were mainly local and national concerned with the social unrest, unemployment and social deprivation, now the issues are global concerned with “Victims” of terrorism, religious persecution, cultural and social divide, global warming, flooding, famine and War.

The painting on canvas is 14ft high and 11ft wide and was painted in a cramped attic room in a semi-derelict building in Liverpool during a two year period following the riots. A visitor to the studio was the late Bishop David Sheppard who was extremely concerned about the plight of people at that time. He would discuss the painting in great depth and Duffy's comment that the “Victim” or victims (within the title of the work) being crucified are those without hope of resurrection.

After its completion, Duffy received as a result of it a major award from the Arts Council and the painting went on tour to various galleries in the UK and later to New York (see archive) and the USA. The painting was returned to the UK in late 2006 and shown at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral during 2007. The original stretcher, now lost, was made from reclaimed timber which ironically was from a church burned down during the Toxteth riots.

In January 2008 it will be shown at Chichester Cathedral as part of the celebration of its 900th year since consecration and in remembrance of its famous Bishop George Bell (1883-1958): “George Bell is remembered for his dedication to unity amongst those separated by religion, and by war, and he is described as nothing less than, "a champion of the oppressed." In 2008, it will be 50 years since the death of this remarkable man”.