Artists for Hire
Increase the Peace, ink on tracing paper
over found paper, David Godbold, 2004
(courtesy Kerlin Gallery)
Artists have often contributed to popular
campaigns. Between 1981 and 1998, the government decided to redevelop
land surrounding London docks for private commercial and residential
use. This threatened an area where 56,000 local people already
lived and worked. Artists Loraine Leeson and Peter Dunn were approached
to produce a poster to alert and inform the community.
The project grew, and over the years became the cultural arm
of an extraordinary campaign. During this time, massive posters
were designed and installed around the area, commenting on the
progress and intentions of the developers. Although development
was undeterred, the project allowed local people the opportunity
not to go quietly and to get involved in a final defiant act of
community and political action.
Artists are still employed by the state. The UK's second official
election artist, David Godbold, has been chosen this year by parliamentary
committee. His brief is to follow the three main leaders on the
campaign trail. David Godbold combines the epic with the everyday.
His surreal images also remind us of the 18th century artists
Hogarth and Gillray and the Golden Age of British caricature.
The drawings are traced over found materials, with puzzling captions.
They should confuse the tricky issues politicians try to keep
distinct, and provoke difficult questions. Will he find access
difficult or bend under the pressure of the party image-brokers?
Who knows?
But if you don’t like what you see – do something yourself! |
