Today sees the release of a new print produced as a direct response to the grim landmark reached this week- namely 100,000 deaths in the UK as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The print- entitled ‘We did everything we could’ – was also a reflection on the comments made by Prime minister Boris Johnson who used that phrase during his public address the nation – now a familiar and tiresome part of our lockdown lives.
When making the print, the artist Nick Hersey said “I have making works in a similar vein for quite a few months now- usually inspired by UK political events or policies, and the inspid way in which they are fed to the public via cosy press barons rather than the conventional channels of democratic rule. These announcements generally incite a feeling of disgust and rage in me that has been difficult to contain, and that have consequently found form in narrative sketches and illustrations of generally macabre themes.”
He continued “When I had finished this particular piece, it occurred to me that perhaps some good could come from such a grim commemoration, that giving a substantial part of any monies raised through the sale of such a print could help those affected directly by this pandemic.”
Nick hopes that despite the awful milestone that has inspired this work, people will ultimately just appreciate the print as an interesting way in which to decorate their walls, in the same way that they appreciate other works that he has released
Nick says “My works are definitely an acquired taste, but with the print market so saturated with schmalzy feel-good banality, there is definitely room for something a little more challenging with which two express yourself visually”
Check out the shop for more prints and painted objects
