Political Aspect
My concerns and feelings about social issues had never previously been addressed through my art.
Over the duration of the course so far my thoughts have gradually evolved to the point where I now believe that my work could be used as a way of addressing my disquiet about injustices and inequality in our own society and worldwide.
The problem of homelessness had always concerned me and even more so since people around me of my own social group and age had begun to experience difficulties in keeping a roof over their heads. Housing shortages, unemployment, high priced rent, short term private lettings and lack of tenants’ rights has put many more people, even those in full time employment at risk of homelessness.
Homelessness is nowadays not just about those that sleep rough on the streets. Many people, families, couples, single people, employed and unemployed can find themselves living a transient and nomadic life with no permanent place to call home. I am of course not alone with my uneasiness about this situation, but what can we do? We can volunteer to help agencies and charities that deal with the homeless, but are we just treating the symptoms and not the cause? We can vote, but why bother? No political party so far has shown the will or ability to deal with the problem.
Public opinion is a very strong persuader for those in government to bring about change, but what can we do to make people think about the issues and in turn make their opinions clear to those in power? It is difficult to make your voice heard, but keeping quiet is not an option. This is where I do have some kind of platform, however small. I don’t wish to turn my project into a campaign or to shape the way people think, rather I can present and publicise the issue to as many people as I can reach and allow them to think for themselves. I have been trying to keep a certain neutrality to my work on this issue, although I realise that even in choosing to tackle this subject matter I am giving away the fact that it is a topic that concerns me.
