This is Democracy

"This is Democracy" (detail)

Recently I submitted a piece of writing and an image of one of my early screen prints, This is Democracy, to artist/curator Shaun Featherstone's Red Shoes publication. The magazine was published last week and, though the piece of writing made the final cut, the artwork didn't. That's a shame particularly for an 'artist led' political publication, but I remain optimistic that the Red Shoes initiative will do good things.

I'm fond of my early artworks (such as This is Democracy) which tentatively explored the cross-over between art and politics. TiD took an image of a mass public demonstration and superimposed it on a floral cotton fabric. This was a common theme in my work, which questioned whether art had real power to influence events. Though artists often play a part in wider political movements, their artwork takes part in a dialogue safely contained within the confines of the art milieu. Well, I was young(er) and cynical of everything in those days, but I think I made a valid point.

The power of art lies in its ability to encourage people to see (and engage in) their world from a slightly different perspective. Humans are fundamentally cooperative, creative and curious animals. Artists have sought, for many decades, to take their creativity to a wider audience outside the traditional art gallery context. Then it often gets reigned in and neutered!

Well, the curtain material shops in City Road, Cardiff, are still flourishing and I may soon pay them another visit. But maybe the debate should move onto different ground, such as the one Red Shoes is trying to inhabit.

"Red Shoes" events take place at G39 Gallery, Cardiff and (no doubt) the streets between May and October 2014.

If Not Now, When?

An interesting inaugural meeting took place tonight in Cathays, Cardiff, entitled "If Not Now, When?" It gathered together a meeting room full of visual artists and creative types from the Cardiff area who shared a very loose commitment to political topics and social issues. The event was organised by artist Shaun Featherstone, I think, though 'Made in Spring' and the G39 Gallery seem to have a hand in this week's events.

Okay, I really should have a clear picture in my mind of the background to the meeting, especially considering I was tasked to write the minutes!! The event was made more memorable by a heavy rain shower that found its way through several holes in the roof. There was also an appearance by possibly the largest bag of potato crisps in the known world.

Topics for discussion included "Is art an effective means of protest?" and "Do art and politics mix?" The tentative suggestion was raised that an Artists Union could be set up for Welsh creative types. At the very least, a Facebook page will be created (by a graphic designer no less, so expect to be impressed).

Well, it was great to meet (and listen to) such a thoughtful and talented bunch of creative people. I hope something comes of it (another meeting is planned) though my head tells me the task of organising artists will be as successful as herding cats!!