Research
I started off my research into pilgrimages and how they have been represented in art. The concept of pilgrimages has been around for millenniums. Pilgrimages are a journey, typically associated with religion. But people do not just complete pilgrimages for religious reasons, they also complete them for a spiritual reason. By journeying to significant sites, it provides a connection, and a form of power for the pilgrim. They feel closer to their faith and can achieve a spiritual awakening.
Pilgrimage in art has been found almost as long as pilgrimages have been undertaken. The art has taken many forms over the years. From cave paintings, to etchings to paintings, and more recently through photography.
These cave paintings and early murals are one of the earliest documented forms of pilgrimages.
Etchings are drawing were popular not only for artistic values but also to aid travellers. Maps, and prayers would be drawn. So these religious symbols not only held aesthetic value but a functional one too.
The Pilgrimage to Canterbury, engraved by Louis Schiavonetti and James Heath 1809-17 Thomas Stothard 1755-1834 Purchased 1994 http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/T06857 
Artists even started creating pilgrimage art in the form of scupltures.
Working Title/Artist: Emmaus Plaque Department: Medieval Art Culture/Period/Location: HB/TOA Date Code: 06 Working Date: 860–880 photographed by mma in 1985, transparency 1AA scanned by film & media 7/16/01 
Working Title/Artist: Emmaus Plaque Department: Medieval Art Culture/Period/Location: HB/TOA Date Code: 06 Working Date: 860–880 photographed by mma in 1985, transparency 1AA scanned by film & media 7/16/01 
Working Title/Artist: Emmaus Plaque Department: Medieval Art Culture/Period/Location: HB/TOA Date Code: 06 Working Date: 860–880 photographed by mma in 1985, transparency 1AA scanned by film & media 7/16/01 
As the art world developed paintings became very popular. There are many artists who have depicted pilgrimage locations and also pilgrims.
Wicki, 7/19/06, 1:17 PM, 8C, 6912×10668 (1260+672), 150%, Default Settin, 1/30 s, R122.2, G86.1, B82.0 
Artwork by Alex Levin. 
Artwork by Alex Levin. 
Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage – Italy exhibited 1832 Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775-1851 Accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest 1856 http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/N00516 
Items were created with symbolism of pilgrimages such as jars and tiles.
Working Title/Artist: Cloister of Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert Department: Medieval Art Culture/Period/Location: HB/TOA Date Code: Working Date: before 1206 photography by mma, Digital File DP106878.tif retouched by film and media (jnc) 4_1_10 
Working Title/Artist: Cloister of Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert Department: Medieval Art Culture/Period/Location: HB/TOA Date Code: Working Date: before 1206 photography by mma, Digital File DP106879.tif retouched by film and media (jnc) 4_1_10 
Working Title/Artist: Cloister of Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert Department: Medieval Art Culture/Period/Location: HB/TOA Date Code: Working Date: before 1206 photography by mma, Digital File DP106880.tif retouched by film and media (jnc) 4_1_10 
Working Title/Artist: Ivory Booklet Department: Medieval Art Culture/Period/Location: HB/TOA Date Code: Working Date: 1300–1320 photographed by mma 1983, transperency # 3B scanned by film and media 8-8-01 (jn) 
Photography has become an easily accessible medium for artists. Many of the pilgrimage images are documenting the pilgrimage, which is different from what I intent to do.
The throng around Youssef Chahed, Primeminister of Tunisia at La Gribba celebrations 
Youssef Chahed, Primeminister of Tunisia at La Gribba celebrations 
The throng around Youssef Chahed, Primeminister of Tunisia at La Gribba celebrations 
Youssef Chahed, Primeminister of Tunisia at La Gribba celebrations 
Youssef Chahed, Primeminister of Tunisia at La Gribba celebrations 
Some Jewish religious leaders in discussion 
La Gribba celebrations 
La Gribba celebrations 
La Gribba celebrations 
Security was very high: Special forces amogst the crowds 
La Gribba celebrations 
People watch on as the primeminister leaves the celebrations 
Security was very high: Special forces amogst the crowds 
Onlookers 
A couple dress for the occassion 
Indside El Ghriba Synagogue, the second oldest synagogue in the world. 
It has been interesting to see how artists over the centuries have depicted pilgrimages. They take a varied form. The majority either document a significant sites or show the pilgrims actively involved in their pilgrimage. I have noticed how similar a lot of the images are. Some modern artists are using the concept of pilgrimage for more than a religious journey, but again they seem to be documenting a journey rather than showing a spiritual development or addressing other issues. Pilgrimages hold different meanings to different people. This research has been valuable as I have been able to see what people have done, this has also allowed me a chance to see how I can develop my own work into something more, whilst still keeping the pilgrimage base.
Bibliography
Here is a link to the Bibliography for all the images I have featured on this page.
Georgina's Body of Work 
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