"You Matter, Because You Are" at the Thomaskirche: Exhibition about Cicely Saunders
Date and Time
Artist
Location
Price
About this Event
Mood
Venue Type
An exhibition about dignity, compassion, and the invention of modern hospice work
At the Thomaskirche Freiburg, the exhibition "You Matter, Because You Are" opens a quiet yet highly relevant space for a topic of great societal importance: the accompaniment at the end of life. Central to it is Cicely Saunders (1918–2005), physician, nurse, social worker, and founder of the modern hospice movement. The exhibition invites visitors to learn about her life, her thinking, and her legacy in an atmosphere of mindfulness.
A career devoted to Palliative Care
Cicely Saunders shaped the understanding of pain and accompaniment through the concept of Total Pain, which integrates physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. The artistic strength of this exhibition lies precisely in that: It does not merely recount a biography, but unfolds a vision of humanity based on dignity, closeness, and responsibility. The curatorial perspective makes visible why Saunders is still regarded today as a pioneer of Palliative Care.
Spaces for reflection instead of loud effects
The exhibition atmosphere is intentionally kept quiet, opening up a concentrated contemplation of works in a figurative sense: not paintings or sculptures take center stage, but ideas, attitudes, and life paths. In this lies its aesthetic experience. The art experience arises from the connection of text, space, and silence, from the impact of a place that invites inner gathering.
Guided tour with the exhibition creator
On Thursday, September 24, at 11 AM, Martina Holder-Franz will guide through the exhibition. This date deepens the educational aspect of the exhibition and provides direct access to its creation, themes, and intentions. For visitors, this is a special opportunity to learn about the background of the curation and the intellectual core of the presentation.
Barrier-free, free of charge, and open for individual visits
The exhibition is free of charge, barrier-free, and can be visited individually as well as in groups. Thus, it addresses a wide audience: people interested in art communication, cultural history, pastoral care, medical ethics, and social responsibility. Those interested in cultural education and how society deals with dying and farewell will find here a striking and educational place.
Conclusion
"You Matter, Because You Are" connects historical significance, social relevance, and a quiet, compelling exhibition form. The exhibition clearly shows why Cicely Saunders is still regarded as a pioneer of the hospice movement today and offers a space for reflection, compassion, and insight. A visit is definitely worthwhile for anyone who wants to experience art not just as a sight, but as a cultural experience and human encounter.
Official channels of Martina Holder-Franz:
- Instagram: no official profile found
- Facebook: no official profile found
- YouTube: no official profile found
- Website: no official profile found
