The text is by Robert Roth, the author of Book of Pieces and Health Proxy. He is also co-creator of And Then magazine. He is based in New York. The music for “Goodye, or Flirting in a pandemic” was written by Hendrik van Oordt. He lives in Amsterdam. The video footage was obtained from the Internet Archive, Pexels and Videezy and edited by Hendrik van Oordt. Lotte van den Dikkenberg-Methorst is a recital pianist and accompanist based in Zeist. When not playing the piano she runs her own Scandinavian clothing store (https://deklopmode.nl). For bookings, orders, scores and questions please contact: knofflook@gmail.com
Too frightened to ask where the scars came from by Jane Walker
The work is made with watercolour, tea and embroidery thread on paper, 70x50cm. I have been reading autobiographies quite slowly, during the pandemic. This made me reflect on my own formation, and made me realise I need to be patient keep going and things might work out.
I use paint, usually line, as in this piece. I have made cuts and scars in my landscape work before, to evoke painful memories related to colonial imagery I have used in the past. I make portraits alongside my city work that I normally exhibit.
‘Facing Dementia in Lockdown.’ ‘Colourful changes.’ ‘Fragmented’. ‘The Royal Exchange through Lockdown’ by Suzanne Gibbs
Portrait in oil on canvas of my 84 year old Mum, facing dementia, alone, during lockdown.
Oil painting of Colourful changes as mum finds comfort in phone calls from loved ones to brighten and colour her day with memories.
Oil on canvas portrait to convey fragmented conversations and moments of frustration and confusion.
The Royal Exchange through lockdown
As a child, one of 4, with an unconventional single mum, my childhood was at best, colourful. Growing up in London, homeless, gave me an alternative view of life in the City. It’s my memories of this, which contribute to identifying London as a lonely place, where lack of a comfortable home or feeling of belonging, creates its own identity. Looking through windows into strangers’ homes, I used to dream and imagine being part of that comfortable environment.
London’s magnificent buildings have and always will be admired by most of us, from afar, as Monuments of affluence and prosperity. Obscured by the relentless hustle and bustle of city life. However, the 2020 Lockdown, gave us opportunities to really see the beauty of so many things and particularly, London’s architecture, free from the obstructive crowds and monotonous traffic. I was finally able to capture these unprecedented moments and with a new viewpoint, reverse my perspective, by looking out of the window.
As an artist, I felt compelled to create the following works to help process my own anxiety and state of mind. This creative release also gives me the opportunity to explore and share the awareness of mental illness and in particular, the experience of my mum, facing dementia.
In the portrait, ‘ Colourful Changes’, I focused on her colourful life of independence and how I know it is slowly changing and will completely vanish as the dementia takes over. The realistic and vivid colours of her face, symbolise the reality and horror of a future with dementia, juxtaposed with the fantasy world of childlike colour that she escapes to. It was painted during the conversations I had with my mum over the phone, unable to see her during lockdown. I later painted Fragmented as sometimes she would struggle with communication and express her frustrations as words would not only vanish from her mind, but sentences and conversations became fragmented, followed by confusion and frustration. Our mental state may temporarily be in tatters and cause us overwhelming distress, but nothing like dementia that takes away identity and destroys the mind, uncontrollably and permanently.
A girl with a mask by Einat Lev Ari
Acrylic and college fabric 70/100
“Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth”. – Oscar Wilde.
Born in 1959.Began her artistic path studying interior design, following that with a 26 year career as a designer.In 1984 she joined artist Yoav Shuali’s studio where she acquired sketching and painting techniques .1987-89 Studied at the Midrasha Art School in Israel.1992-95 Studied sculpture with some Israel’s best sculptures.2011 Received her Master’s degree in Art Therapy from Lesley College, Boston.Exhibits in solo and group exhibitions in Israel.Time and art will bring healing to the soul and if we return to simplicity, we will preserve the existing beauty, we will also be able to see how much love there is here.
Abrade by Jezzelle Kellamgraphite drawing (A3)
graphite drawing (A3)
My subject matter represented in my work tends to question the perceptions of the world around me. The aspects of our lives we often see, but often do not discuss. My work stirs the viewer to create their own subjective narratives through the use of ambiguous compositional elements, this is important for my artwork to generate a discussion and intrigue the audience. The ambiguity of the works encourage for discourse to roam where it needs to go, not where I intended. Ultimately creating an answer, in the moment, based on the viewers realities.
Solely working in graphite, my interest lies in monochromatic work, being able to command the medium to encapsulate a body or an object through the use of applying layer upon layer, I think the layers act translucent, each scar, blemish and wrinkle on the skin can be layered upon each other, resulting in fascinating textures that appear abrasive.
The technique I use is a monotonous process which suggests parallels the routines of our society. The routine which, through creating artwork, I attempt to circumnavigate.
Expectations by Pete Donnelly
This stands at 270mm and is a combined resin sculpture and body cast using two separate moulding techniques. The child’s face serves as an expression of vulnerability and apprehension on the body of a bird which reflects the potential for freedom and independence. The hand serves as a presence of authority, firmly directing the subject towards the expected pathway.
I am a Yorkshire based sculptor and work in a variety of different mediums including resin cast, mixed media and ceramic art. I have been developing various sculptures around the themes of social perceptions around mental health which have been inspired further by the impact of lock down which has served as both a difficult time for many and an opportunity for reflection.
Both the ceramic method and the process of casting in resin are fairly long procedures which rely upon patience and an attention to detail. I have expanded upon an interest in traditional figurative sculpture and developed forms in order to represent reflections on the theme of mental health, confidence and the many associated contradictions present with the human psyche. My work is generally based around the human form, however I often manipulate this image in order to serve modern themes, most prominently mental health and the complexity of the human condition.I have worked in the field of mental health for many years and continue to be astounded by the lack of understanding, social stigma and hidden struggle many have to endure. More than this, I continue to be touched and encouraged by the kindness, strength and emotional resilience those I work alongside.
My aim is to communicate fragments of this complex picture in a way which prompt the viewer to reflect upon their own thoughts and opinions on the subject.
