A giant finger, ear and lips were part of Silent Parade (2025), a public promenade through the street of Deptford, reflecting on the power and the role of silence in activism. Taking inspiration from All the Banners (Silent), students from two Lewisham schools, Deptford Green and Watergate School, explored ways to express themselves when not being heard and what they want to change about the world. Through workshops, they considered issues of governance and children’s rights, as well as deep listening, non-violent protest, the tension between silence as resistance and being silenced or scared to speak out.

Drawing on the connections between a march, protest, parade and procession, all elements of the parade were created collaboratively with the young people, including silent disco headphones, props, choreography and protest placards.

Silent Parade was commissioned by Deptford X. All the Banners (Silent) was exhibited at Brickworks as part of the festival.

Photographer: Katarzyna Perlak
Thanks to Kwong Lee, Kellie Blake, Darren MacDonald & Jess Austin-Burdett, and to fabrication assistants Ana Ortuño Floria & Evie Hurst.