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Lockdown Lens
June 8, 2020
I wrote this short creative reflection around 6 weeks into the Coronavirus lockdown. Many long-ignored societal issues were finally becoming more visible, demanding attention and resolution. But as we all bluster back to work amid confusion and controversy my hopes are beginning to fade. Here's to the struggle for meaningful change...
For years, our world has been out of focus. In the fast lane, the lens of life has lavished its attention on the shiny, sensational stories of success and celebrity. The smudges in the blurred background remain unidentifiable, shapeless, easily edited out, keeping our focus on the dazzlingly whitened smiles of the super rich, blinding us all with their hypnotic gaudy glare.
But now the rosy filter has faded and the negative shapes have suddenly snapped into sharp focus. We see all the greys and sludgy hues, every shade of misery and struggle that has long been airbrushed from view.
Those without income, security, safety or hope. Without a 6-figure salary, a second home, a savings plan or an employment contract. Without a garden, a place in the country or clean air. Without a computer or the ability to use one. Without the option to keep themselves tucked cosily out of harm's way.
Not isolated voices, but a whole brutal choir of hardship. Endless contact sheets of negatives, exposing the bleak reverse of the glossy cover image of society. Unprotected, unvalued, unseen. Until now. The stark contrast finally stares us in the face, unblinking and unresolved.
As life begins to slowly accelerate once again, the images fade a little. Now that we have seen, will we zoom out? Will we let the shadowy shapes once again blur into the background of our comfort? Or will we refocus and at last attempt to fix our faulty lens?
Beyond the glossy Instagram images lies another side of Chefchaouen
The story of a short but transformative encounter in Fes, Morocco
A semi-humourous account of house hunting in the Capital.
Mixed media portraits of the people of Jerusalem.
World Peace Day exhibition at the Bosnian Embassy with Most Mira.
Poetry exploring my experience of returning to my native Aberdeen
Site-specific performance in Aberdeen's iconic Bon Accord Baths
The power of personal storytelling and its role in my work with Safe Harbour Open Sea.
Some questions and answers about new book 'Mirage'.
Illustrated Bedouin proverbs - ancient wisdom for modern times