A new graffiti exhibition at Canterbury Cathedral is facing criticism for being ‘sacrilegious,’ with some remarking that it makes the historical church resemble ‘an underground car park in Peckham.’
The art installation, titled ‘Hear Us,’ invites visitors to pose questions to God, which are then displayed on the ancient cathedral’s pillars, walls, and floors in Kent.
And while some have reported their intrigue, many worshippers have taken offence at encountering the artworks.
One said the work was ‘sacrilegious’ while another said it was more suited to a south London car park.
Others asked, ‘who will rid me of these troublesome graphics?’ and ‘how do people not tire of the cringe?’.
‘This is awful. Canterbury Cathedral, what are you doing?,’ another asked.
While someone else said: ‘Not the kind of “art” I’d expect in an ancient gothic cathedral.’
‘Why not have this on a canvas?,’ another questioned.
The installation ‘Hear Us’ invites participation by having people direct questions to God. These questions are then displayed around Canterbury Cathedral on its pillars, walls, and floors.
And while some have reported their intrigue, many have taken offence by encountering the artworks
One said the work was ‘sacrilegious’ while another said it was more suited to a south London car park. Pictured: Canterbury Cathedral
‘Whoever approved this genuinely can’t have thought people wouldn’t be annoyed and disgusted by its presentation…surely?’
This temporary graffiti-inspired imagery accompanies the cathedral’s historical graffiti, which includes ancient maker’s marks that date back several centuries.
The exhibition showcases graffiti-style responses to the prompt ‘What would you ask God?’ These have now been affixed to the stone surfaces throughout the cathedral.
Some of the answers included ‘Are you there?’ and ‘Why did you create hate when love is by far more powerful?’.
Others posed were ‘Does everything have a soul?’ and ‘Do you regret your creation?’.
Organizers aim for the stark juxtaposition of the cathedral’s ancient structure with modern expressions to ignite discussions around these questions.
‘There is a rawness which is magnified by the graffiti style which is disruptive,’ said David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury, who has recognised the potential for Hear Us to divide opinion.
‘There is also an authenticity in what is said because it is unfiltered and not tidied up or sanitised.
‘Above all, this graffiti makes me wonder why I am not always able to be as candid, not least in my prayers.
‘This exhibition intentionally builds bridges between cultures, styles and genres and in particular allows us to receive the gifts of younger people who have much to say and from whom we need to hear much.’
The installation features answers responding to the question ‘What would you ask God?’ in graffiti-style lettering which has now been fixed to the cathedral’s stone pillars, walls and floors.Organisers hope the striking contrast between the ancient architecture and the contemporary messaging will help spark conversations around the questions
Organisers hope the striking contrast between the ancient architecture and the contemporary messaging will help spark conversations around the questions
The piece is the work of poet Alex Vellis and curator Jacquiline Creswell’s collaboration with marginalised communities and a team of skilled artists
Hear Us officially opens on Friday, October 17 and runs until January 18, 2026.
The piece is the work of poet Alex Vellis and curator Jacquiline Creswell’s collaboration with marginalised communities and a team of skilled artists.
Speaking about the collaborative work, poet Mr Vellis added: ‘This project, at its core, is about community, using your voice, and change.
‘Language is the people who speak it, and graffiti is the language of the unheard.
‘By temporarily graffitiing the inside of Canterbury Cathedral, we join a chorus of the forgotten, the lost, and the wondrous.
‘People who wanted to make their mark, to say ‘I was here’, and to have their etchings carry their voice through the centuries.’
Curator Ms Creswell said: ‘Surely we have all wondered about the mysteries of the universe, the meaning of life, or in times of uncertainty, sought advice?
‘Within a theological context, posing a question to God is viewed as a form of prayer, meditation, or contemplation, in return receiving guidance and solace from a source believed to be all-knowing and compassionate.
‘By reaching out to the Divine with personal inquiries, individuals may find comfort, clarity, and direction amidst life’s uncertainties.’
Hear Us officially opens on Friday, October 17 and runs until January 18, 2026.
