Over recent weeks I have been concious – as I’m sure we all have – over the idea that the UK could initiate air strikes against Isis in Syria. Last night it was announced that the Government’s plan to initiate air-strikes was to go ahead and was put into action this morning.
Waking up to news you have fundamental problems with, yet is linked to your own country, feels difficult and fuels anxiety and uncertainty; though of course this pales in comparison to the thoughts of Syrian civilians.
UK Parliament held a yes/no vote on whether the bombing should be initiated. This already posed a problem as surely this conflict demands far more consideration than a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’. Indeed, there are those who take my personal stance that military action by the UK in Syria against Isis could be effective, provided that it is a supporting role on the ground working with Syria to carefully and meticulously eradicate the threat of terror from the country and beyond. However, the idea of air-strikes feels – at best – heavy handed and at worst could lead to the unnecessary killing of civilians, further fuelling terrorist propaganda.
It’s been difficult to disengage with these world events and inevitably it has led me to consider the position of my practice. It’s easy to feel dismissive within this context, but then art provides an alternative, has to capacity to instigate social and moral change with passion and positivity, and can unite isolated or marginalised sets of people. Not to mention the solace, hope and escapism it provides.
I believe it is important to re-acquaint yourself with the value of creative practice and creative thinking from time to time. Even within my practice, there are contextual subtleties of anti-consumerism and pro-identity which provide a voice, a means of reflection and a means of communication. My work also seeks to find alternative ways of considering pre-defined concepts. This, if functioning as a metaphor, is able to transcend perfumery and adopt moral, social and even political standpoints.
Art is more about who you are than what you do. It is my outlet and means of communicating. There would be a sense of loss and emptiness without it as it provides a platform for thought, discussion, communication and, above all, inclusion. I will forever promote creation over destruction and as such, in my own way, will continue to attempt to contribute and connect with all areas of the community.