My work has been a little dark in recent times. Often reflecting my gloomy outlook on the world I see happening around me. I don’t see this as a negative thing. Art has always picked up on the flaws of being human.
We are experiencing a never ending cycle of genocide, attacks, war, famine and tragedy. All played out on social media 24/7 and we feel ever more helpless and less inclined to do anything. In art and popular culture, we find humour, provocation, discomfort and sometimes solace.
Art makes statements about the world that politicians never do. That institutions cannot. And is an outlet for people with no real voice. The assault on the arts by ever more authoritarian governments is proof of its power.
While the tech bros and corporations are desperately trying to get us to consume their influencer nonsense, there are millions of us making things. Doing things. People making memes attacking governments. People rediscovering the simple joys of reading a book, listening to music, painting, drawing, making pottery, knitting. People using art to be disruptive and loud. People saying things because they have to.
My medium hasn’t always been solely photography. I’ve been involved in theatre, film and music for a very long time. It has always been an outlet for my views on what is going on. Both in the world and on a personal level.
Art will never die. No matter how much the big knobs want it. To make art is to be human. It is part of what we are.
Art is what unites us despite the noisy, angry minority on social media who are amplified by algorithms.
Switch off the noise.
Keep creating.
Stay disruptive.
