AN exhibition, Belief: An Exploration, will see fine art and photography work from HCA second year Extended Diploma Art & Design students on display at St John’s Methodist Church on St Owen Street in Hereford until Sunday.

The partnership between St John’s and Hereford College of Arts is now in its third year. “I often resort to words to discuss topics surrounding belief, faith, religion and human experiences, says David Meachem, minister at St John’s. "I was very interested to discover how artists use visual imagery and concepts to explore these issues, and following consultation with HCA staff and students, the exhibition was born.”

Mandy Pritchard is the lecturer on the course, and says ‘Belief’ has pushed the students to consider a wide range of opinions, teachings and practices within their work. “It is vital for art students to be informed. Without knowledge and research, their work risks being ignorant and misinterpreted."

The students’ work investigates a wide range of topics, and challenges the notion of ‘belief’ being purely related to religion; war, propaganda, folklore, materialism, passion and football are just some of the areas investigated and interpreted by the students.

The exhibition also offers a unique insight into the minds of young artists. “It’s a fantastic mutual opportunity to engage with the community, and to see what young people are passionate about, and what they think of the world we live in,” says David.

‘Belief: An Exploration’ is open to the public from 10am to 6pm today, Thursday, and tomorrow, and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, at St John’s Methodist Church.