Deen Scene - What's On Lock Down # 18!

I started to work on this one at the end of January but the world has been turned up side down these past few months and the idea of an events run down is ironic as we all hunker down for another 3 weeks of lock down. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is surreal, starting off like the intro to a dystopian movie before the reality began to sink in. I've taken comfort in seeing the public response to the front line staff in our hospitals, super markets and post offices, all celebrated for the vital work for keeping us going. And it's great to see billionaires share holders take a hit although it will still somehow come down to the poorest in our society being hurt the most. You can read more about some of the artist's who've inspired me during the crisis and some thoughts about the political fall out as well via Art from the Lock Down # 1 and Lock Down # 2. 

So with no public gatherings allowed and most business shut there isn't much to report on the event front, at least not in the conventional sense. Indeed the masses have taken to social media to live stream their days with the noteable return of the Wab Lab (watch it here), providing a groove laden mix of soulful hits and exotic tracks, DJ sets from Auntie Flo in his garden (watch em here) and an overload of live streams on instagram. The shift from real life events to streaming has been huge but its also seen people who normally wouldn't stream have a go. There's been a lot of good things to come from this anomaly but I have found I'm switching off to a lot of it, especially the over zealous sales posts! 

I guess I'm also adding to the critical mass of digital content but blogging and making mix tapes is something I've always done so I don't feel so bad about it. And I'm not saying anyone else should either because if doing live streams or sharing artwork on social media makes you feel good during these times then more power to ya! So what's been keeping my attention and what's worth checking out? 

Well lets start with a look at some great community initiatives that have popped up in response to the current pandemic and a few who've been doing things before it was cool! It's actually really sad to think that in a city like Aberdeen where its reported we have the highest number of millionaires outside of London that people have to rely on food banks. No one should have to go hungry yet sadly reported figures tell a different story, both here and across the UK. Located just round the corner from Union Square, the fine folks at C Fine (Community Food Initiatives North East) have been supporting people in Aberdeen through various services, a quick read over their testimonials here will give you a good idea. Donations are always welcome whether its in cash form, time or fundraising such as the amazing effort from the All Night Passion team who's streaming disco party helped raise over £1000. The response from Aberdeens creative community with fund raising efforts has been great and has contributed to many good causes and feeds into some ideas I've been having about creativity and community, what's important during a crisis and what's not. I'm hoping to use my own platform a bit more to highlight the community side of Aberdeen beyond just artists and makers but to highlight champions like C Fine who are working harder than ever while I sit comfortably at home. 

Community is important and so is this new project from Creative Me called 'We Are Here'. The project aims to highlight artists and creatives from BAME (Black, Asian & minority ethnic) communities and backgrounds. If you're wondering why it matters then a recent study of American museums showed that 85.4% of artworks owned were by white artists with 87.4% by men (check out the article here) despite whites making up only 72% of the population. We Are Here aims to address some of the issues around representation with in the Scottish art sector by highlighting BAME artists but also by helping to educate us about the numerous associated issues. Dealing with issues around race can be a difficult subject for many and there's often a lot of different layers that need to be unpacked to gain real understanding including the history associated to many groups in the BAME communities. Through reading think pieces and online articles I've gained some insight into the layers of issues around representation but the best source of information has been through listening to friends like Ica who are effected by these issues. By listening, learning and asking questions we can all be part of changing the narratives around race within the arts in Scotland. To find out more about the project check em out here. 

Our new studio mates the Cannibal Cubs had been incredibly busy, until the lock down kicked in that is. With a host of new ideas in the works, the duo have been making use of Kekun Studio and are now working in their home studios to develop new pieces to add to their collection of print and wearable goods which you can view here (damn you over zealous sale pitches). Along with their collaborative work Corvid Eyes & Feral Fang have been working on individual projects with Susan starting the 'bad bat party' encouraging friends to create their own bat themed art works (check out her creations so far here) while Jenny has been using her time to sort out her archive and added some choice pieces to her web shop including this little peach called 'Squish'. Looking forward to catching up with the Cubs properly once its safe to do so. 

Obviously our planned 'Cats' exhibition at Kekun Studio is on hold til a later date but you can still get those feline inspired art works ready. It's surreal to think about all the plans we had for these past few months, what should have been a busy spell leading into the summer has become a time of late mornings, work emails and video games. It's almost nauseating to see all those super busy people eager to maintain their insta algorithms, I'm sure it's also helping them maintain some normality too but really is it normal or more importantly healthy? Anyway, drawing cats will make you feel better and if you are finding it difficult at the moment then reach out to friends, go for a walk, sing 'Earth Song' by MJ, maybe just the 'WOOOOOOOOOOO, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO' bit. Thanks to everyone who's been in touch about the show and looking forward to getting it on track in the future.

Another project I'd hoped to check out before the lock down is the collaborative 'Doric Dwams' by Frieda Strachan & Shane Strachan. Frieda has been busy in her studio the past few months working on this special project incorporating her distinctive weavings with some added haikus from poet Shane exploring different elements of Aberdeen. The project has a lot of layers to it but an important aspect has been healing, using the creative power to help deal with personal trauma caused by sexual assault. It's worth reading Frieda's post about it over on her instagram here to get some context. Sadly the number of cases of this nature in Aberdeen and beyond reveals that we all have work to do in regards to listening to those affected, educating younger generations and stopping the stigma often associated to these issues. As with Ica and 'We Are Here' there are many complex issues that I don't and can't fully understand as I haven't lived these experiences but by listening, acknowledging and learning, hopefully we can make a difference. And certainly through her actions and Shane's words, the 'Doric Dwams' is making a difference. From the most difficult of times something positive can come, I'm sure it hasn't been easy and the hard work continues but I'm glad to see friends finding beauty again. I'll be sharing a bit more about this project soon. 

At the tail end of last year I stumbled upon wire artist Spencer Little thanks to some street art feeds. At first glance you might think his work has been drawn but it is in fact made from length of metal wire, carefully bent and manipulated to create the most sublime art works. When attached to lamp posts the works create rather special little moments creating interaction with their environment. Spencers work really reminded me of the work in the first street art books I bought where the street was an important part of the works and not just a generic wall, placement mattered and its great to see artists tapping into that idea again. For more be sure to check Spencer Little Art on instagram here and over on Colossal here.  

In what should have been the post festival come down period I decided to have a look back at previous Nuart Aberdeens and appreciate how lucky I am to have been involved. Although the festival might not happen this year in Aberdeen the team have been working behind the scenes to make something happen online including the launch of the latest Nuart Journal which brings together writers, academics and vandals to look at themes and to explore the current state of 'street art'. With museum shows and work selling for millions at auction, street art is in the main stream and will be a vital chapter in the book of 21st century art history, hopefully the Nuart Journal is helping to feed important ideas and view points into that story and helping to give voice to those who are often overlooked in academic circles. The journal is available as free download along with all the previous issues here. Be sure to follow Nuart Aberdeen & Nuart Festival for more exciting developments from the 'Lockdown 2020' edition as we navigate this new terrain.  

I'm keeping it short and finishing up with some new tunes courtesy of MorMor, an artist who appeared on my youtube one day and I haven't stopped listening since. If your nerves need a little soothing or you need a little indie kick then this is the trick. Coming to an MoC mix tape soon! Stay safe, look out for each other and let love lead the way!