Articles
During lockdown we engaged in a variety of conversations with bold artists, curators, activists and more to get to the heart of their stories.
“His sprawling shadow incorporates the forests of Surrey, where a Yeti sighting triggered the final days of Kevin’s long quest..”
After being awarded the prestigious Prix du Jury by the Salon des Beaux Arts for ‘Different Shades of Yellow’, the critically acclaimed photographer will unveil ‘Different Shades of White’ photographic series at Arles.
Whilst for many of us the memories of 2020 will be dominated by the shared sense of turmoil, uncertainty and longing for normality, we highlight how the year has also been a breakthrough twelve months for artistic endeavour, human empathy and social equality that will outpunch the pandemic in the grander scheme of things.
“We don’t yet live in a world where everyone is able to openly acknowledge and attend to their own feelings. Being creative, whatever form that may take for you, starts a process of breaking down those barriers. And in a way where you are doing it for yourself, without the need of anyone else.” Discover how creative expression provides the key to deeper dialogue on mental health and masculinity with Guy Cry Club founder, Ben Driver.
“I have always been keen to keep the lessons from the past within my work. However, I see more value in innovations that build upon what is already cherished about an art form, rather than innovation for its own sake.” Explore the powerful practice of Will Teather in this enlightening interview.
“I grew up in a very small quaint hilly town and for a long time the idea of imagination or dreams played a very strong part in my consciousness. My world then changed when I came into contact with large cities full of noises and chaos and everything so large. I was not particularly happy and always wanted to go back to the unperturbed world of my childhood days!” Explore the meditative world of wild imagination with photographer Satyakam Biswas.
Discover how hustling at school, guerrilla marketing, grunge music and baroque painters have shaped the stories of Nicolas and Siris by indulging in these two short films.
“I found using food was a good tool to capture ‘beauty and the grotesque’ because we’re all familiar with how things taste and by looking at a realistic painting of food, you can imagine and almost taste the image. This can then be easily manipulated if something repulsive is added into the equation, e.g strange food combinations or a razor blade.” Discover the impactful work of Emilia Symis in this enlightening interview.
“Art is a fantastic tool for conveying emotion and sharing stories – and therefore can be a powerful tool for tackling stigma.” Discover the inspiring work of The Perspective Project and the vital role that art and creativity play in confronting the mental health crisis.
“I truly believe there will be a day when there is nothing but positive conversation on mental health, I wish to push this for all challenging and uncomfortable subjects.” Discover the inspiring work of rising UK Fashion Designer Sarah Hollebon in this enlightening interview.
“I believe that with the right creative techniques and a creative mindset you can use your weakness as a strength to turn a bad situation, a mistake, a personal setback or affliction into something sensational.” - Nicolas Ruston
“Beauty involves imagination. Beauty envisions a free world and defeats limitations both human and societal, including intolerance, injustice, and misogyny. I want to plan a brand new reality.” - Dorya Glenn.
The practice of French-born photographer Misia-O’ provides a beautiful reminder of the pure joys to be found in the natural manipulation of light. Her process does not include any post-production, except for light blemish removal, relying instead on her profound understanding of light and colour, quantum physics and mathematics.
From prolific plagues to world wars and modern viruses, artists have not only provided our population with a relentless reminder of the horrors of conflict and the tragedies of personal loss, but they have also paved the way to social change and inspire us to challenge our own personal thinking, perceptions and actions during times of upheaval.