A2 Submission

THE BRIEF

Single image narratives: Produce eight images that, individually, have a narrative and convey a specific idea. Rather than focusing on a theme or activity, work on a concept. The more abstract the concept the better. Delivery: For this assignment you need to publish a blog page. Thumbnails should link to high resolution images. Aims: This assignment aims to help you develop your ability to conceptualise your thoughts and communicate your ideas visually. The emphasis is on effectively translating concepts into visual products. Provide a short commentary explaining your ethos and rationale along with your images. (Open College of the Arts, 2014: 53)

Nicola South Student number: 514516

ECONOMIC SCARRING

COMMENTARY

This work is about scarring, the damage that is left behind after trauma; not wounds on body tissue but the long-lasting damage caused by the current recession on our economy.

Economic scarring though not a new phenomenon, is a new term. This recession has led to “scarring”, long term damage to individuals’ economic situations and the economy. Covid 19 is the cause of this recession, but this work is not about Covid 19. My images are a response to my current fear for our futures, particularly livelihoods, and the damage that is already apparent.

In this work I have run with a concept that is meaningful to me now. In my own hibernation I have had much time to learn and reflect. I have; been offered, mainly by zoom, considerable photographic advice and stimulus, this has seeped into me. My initial thought was to photograph in a surrealist style, there are some of those elements in my images, but from that beginning I worked in an intuitive way and found my own style.

My intention was to go out and look with heightened awareness. Photographers such as Brassai have inspired me to train my eye so that I can reveal my world. I was struck by Stephen Shore’s comment that there should be no difference between shooting and seeing; this is what I aim to present to my viewers. Integrity is also important in this work, there is no construction here; though I have used my eyes and framing, to show you what I want you to see – a sense of something not quite right.

Every image has its own narrative, but together visually they anchor my concept. Each is accompanied by a flesh wound as a hashtag, to reinforce the human pain caused by the economic scarring. The stitching represents a holding together and hope of recovery. There are other signs and symbols within the work that are meaningful to me, however viewers will make their own meaning from what they see here.

ARTIST STATEMENT

The world has stood still, my world has stood still. I am concerned for our futures, our economic futures. When I emerged from my hibernation, I went looking to see how businesses were faring. Here is the damage I observed, scarring…economic scarring which will wound all of us.