So the lock down continues, Boris is out of hospital and countries around Europe are beginning to lift their lock downs. There's been a huge national outpouring of love for the NHS and it's staff who despite constant cuts from the Torries have been doing their best to cope with the huge numbers of Covid-19 cases. A look at the figures for London is quite scary with Aberdeen and Scotland as a whole fairing much better than the UK capital. The big cities we're always going to be the worst effected but when the Prime Minister has tried to downplay the pandemic, almost to his own demise as he took it on the chin but you have to start thinking about accountability. It was always going to spread but just how far and how badly was up to Boris and he let it spread for weeks unchecked. As I said in my last post, you can't stop the money machine for anything, unless it kills the work force.
Looking to the news channels for balanced reporting has been pointless, indeed when reporting on the situation in Italy with large death toll numbers, the words 'horrific' are used but when the UK started to hit the same figures it was almost brushed under the rug. Current tallies suggest 10,000 people have died as a result of the disease but how many of those could have been saved had appropriate measures been taken sooner? Was it really worth holding off just so people could buy those trainers from Sports Direct? Misinformation has played a big part in the spread of the disease with authorities failing to highlight how deadly it is, it's nothing like the flu as so many reported and as we've seen, age isn't a protective charm against it either. It feels like all the important information was there, the warning signs and triggers we're shown from Italy and yet the UK was still too slow to act.
It's been sad to watch it unfolding, starting off as an intro to a dystopian novel before breaking down into the same old class narratives that have plagued the UK since the days of feudal lords and lowly serfs. Now is not the time to demand better wages for NHS staff, but MP's will take that extra £10,000 to work at home? We'll write off the 13 billion NHS debt that we made up, why aren't you happy? Has everyone taken their 8 weeks unpaid leave yet? It's sad to think that a lot of power is currently sitting in the hands of the many as key workers in the NHS and across our country are literally keeping the country alive. And yet in a few weeks it looks like Boris will get a big pat on the back and we'll be back to business as usual when really we should all be demanding change, universal basic income schemes (or at least some pilots), proper funding for the NHS so staff don't have to rely on charity hand outs, accountability for politicians and what they say but also look at the impacts we can each have in our society by looking out for those around you. The smallest acts of kindness have had a huge impact in the last few weeks and it seem's like the caring and sharing society of yesteryear hasn't fully been erased.
As countries around Europe and indeed America begin to look at relaxing the lock down, despite fears that it might lead to even more infections and a second wave of Corona Virus cases, artists like Rich T, Word to Mother and Yeye Weller (below) have provided constant reminders to stay home and to be safe during these times. With estimations that 1 person could infect hundreds more without even knowing, scale that up by a small town, a city or a metropolis and well, we're seeing the results of it now in the UK as the virus was allowed to spread unchecked for weeks. With over 10,000 deaths here and almost 127,000 deaths worldwide at this point, asking people to stay at home seems reasonable.
It's hard to keep politics out of it at the moment but one artist providing some political satire is future Nuart Aberdeen friend Jofre Oliveras. I had the pleasure of meeting Jofre at last years Nuart Festival in Stavanger where his work had people stopping in the street. His work can be both humorous and cutting, often highlighting the problems we face in the world today so of course being based in Barcelona has given Jofre a lot of food for thought. Hopefuly well be seeing his work first hand in Aberdeen once it's safe for people to leave their houses or ex monestary art squats in Jofre's case.
For all the negatives there's been just as many if not more postitives and artists like Amanda Visell, Bill Mcright, Dabs & Myla and Rachilu have all brought little moments of strength and hope to my news feed. Artist's have also been quick to offer up their work as sort of lock down alternative colouring books. Inkie graffiti was quick off the mark with a full range of colour in 'ink nouveau' designs although I believe he'd already had the books ready to go (purchase yours here). Iconic Super Furry Animals artist Pete Fowler has been sharing his lock down colouring in sheets via his instagram page (link to free download here) and it's nice to see street artist Eelus inviting colaborations via his 'Contagious Creativity Club' where you can download some of his basic designs and add you're own special touch (link to free download here). If you like the geometric abstract work of Rob Lowe aka Supermundane then he's got you covered with his 36 days of 'Super Colouring In' with each design joining up to make something special (link to free download here). New Yorks Martinez Gallery has produced a special graffit colouring in book with designs from 45rpm, Bicer and Bob59 (link to free download here). Final colouring in fun comes from Boogie SML who wants everybodyboogiedown and colour in with a huge selection of graffiti designs from some of the worlds top graffiti writers (link to free download here).
Continuing the spirit of sharing many artist's and designers have been sharing content for their fans to enjoy from Radiohead's live show from 2000 to SheOne painting an abandoned factory back in 2013. I joined SheOne during his instagram live a few days ago and it seemed strange to have such a personal experience with him as we got to hear some of his stories and to ask questions about his work and ethos. It's almost become a content overload as many artists look to connect with their audiences but most of these transactions seem to be more based on artists giving something, whether its their ideas, skill sharing or even their art work, for free. It's all certainly helped me during this time and its spurred on some ideas for my own creative adventures.
Looking to the news channels for balanced reporting has been pointless, indeed when reporting on the situation in Italy with large death toll numbers, the words 'horrific' are used but when the UK started to hit the same figures it was almost brushed under the rug. Current tallies suggest 10,000 people have died as a result of the disease but how many of those could have been saved had appropriate measures been taken sooner? Was it really worth holding off just so people could buy those trainers from Sports Direct? Misinformation has played a big part in the spread of the disease with authorities failing to highlight how deadly it is, it's nothing like the flu as so many reported and as we've seen, age isn't a protective charm against it either. It feels like all the important information was there, the warning signs and triggers we're shown from Italy and yet the UK was still too slow to act.
It's been sad to watch it unfolding, starting off as an intro to a dystopian novel before breaking down into the same old class narratives that have plagued the UK since the days of feudal lords and lowly serfs. Now is not the time to demand better wages for NHS staff, but MP's will take that extra £10,000 to work at home? We'll write off the 13 billion NHS debt that we made up, why aren't you happy? Has everyone taken their 8 weeks unpaid leave yet? It's sad to think that a lot of power is currently sitting in the hands of the many as key workers in the NHS and across our country are literally keeping the country alive. And yet in a few weeks it looks like Boris will get a big pat on the back and we'll be back to business as usual when really we should all be demanding change, universal basic income schemes (or at least some pilots), proper funding for the NHS so staff don't have to rely on charity hand outs, accountability for politicians and what they say but also look at the impacts we can each have in our society by looking out for those around you. The smallest acts of kindness have had a huge impact in the last few weeks and it seem's like the caring and sharing society of yesteryear hasn't fully been erased.
One artist who's work has always showed compassion and caring is Gabi Reith aka Small Stories. She's recently been documenting Aberdeen architectural wonders with her 'Aberdeen Buildings' series but has also been focusing on the current situation with these fantastic sketchbook pieces (above). Independent artist's like Gabi have been massively hit by the lock down and despite the varying degrees of government support, many artists and creatives are finding themselves struggling to make sense of the packages available, even working out if you qualify is a daunting task. Yet at a time when many of us are feeling a bit lost, it seems like its artists and teachers who are picking up the slack, providing helpful tasks for us and our young one's and certainly making me feel a lot better about the lock down. As someone pointed out, maybe those school subjects which have been cut and underfunded, art, music, PE are actually the one's people need the most, along with a well paid and protected National Health Service workers!
It seems surreal that people are out clapping in the streets to show their appreciation for NHS staff who are on the front line in our hospitals and our communities. Having received a lot of hospital care due haemophilia, I've had so many amazing first hand experiences with staff at ARI and have always appreciated the care and support they've given me and my family. Had I been born in America I dread to think what sort of state I'd be in. So it's nice to see people coming out and showing their appreciation for NHS staff even if it does feel a little '1984' with Boris leading the way from No 10. But the current emergency is showing the cracks from massive underfunding over a prolonged period by consecutive Conservative & Labour governments and along with clapping people need to educate themselves and use their vote to secure the future of the NHS. There's more than enough evidence out there that points towards massive parts of the NHS being privatised under Conservative rule. Even underling Dominick Rabb has been called out for an campaign pamphlet that says as much which he vehemently denied any knowledge of, despite his name being all over it and coming from his campaign team. Don't trust any of em.
But do trust in colour though. Look Again artist Morag Myerscough shared this amazing piece from a project in Leeds with In Good Company who wanted to show their support for front line workers during the lock down. This includes so many workers as Gabi pointed out in her piece above and it's great to see Morag's colourful tribute splashed across 4 billboards.
As artists have had to shift from outdoor murals to indoor drawings, two firm favourites KMG and Phlegm have been delivering some real golden nuggets. As always Ken has been following protocol and will be staying at home as he's told but he's also ready to point the finger at those responsible for the mess we find ourselves in. Indeed this might be the first event of this nature in a few decades but those who seek to rule over the many must also take responsibility when their actions fail the many. We will remember, the families of the 10,000 + will remember. Will you?
Phlegm has added his unique characters to the melee with daily drawings for his Pandemic Diary which you can download and print for your home. It's been great to see how quickly Phlegm can churn these out as he normally works on super detailed etchings which take time to perfect. Get your free download here.
So that's a wrap for part 2 of Art from the Lock Down. There's still a ton of interesting art works, ideas and content coming out across the internet so I might do a final piece before moving onto a different topic but I have to admit its fun to wade through all this content and to share work from so many amazing artists. Part 3 ill focus more on friends and artists from Aberdeen and look at some of the cool projects that have sprung up since the lock down began. Also for a regular daily digest you might want to follow my instagram @moc83 as I tend to share a lot of art via my story on there along with bits from my own creative journey and of course if you have something you wanna share with me then get in touch on any of the social media pages. Unless its hate mail, you can keep that to yourself! All the best to you and yours and stay safe!
