A pertinent bit of graffiti landed in my neck of the woods this week and it reminded me of a important visual lesson !
Growing up on Tyneside I was no stranger to graffiti in the urban landscape , some locations were so heavily “Painted” that it blended into the scene and the “Message” was lost , I was familiar with the 1970’s “Prepare For Revolution” message that Killip captured in Wallsend first hand , it was also part of my everyday !
Like advertising a “Good” piece of graffiti relies on context and the relationship between the message and the location of the work , the right site can increase the effectiveness and add another layer of significance, that is why the “Prepare For Revolution” picture became iconic , the snowy version possess a Eastern European vibe that amplified the “Revolution” implication ?
Trying to capture the political mood of the times we live in is made easier for photographers when the “Writing On the Wall” is politically driven , I always try to photograph the bits of thoughtful “Vandalism” I find , I believe that “Street Art” / Graffiti of significance serves as a useful barometer of public opinion !
The graffiti I found this week appeared to be out place , it felt “Louder” because the “Writing” was not antisocial , in fact the message was heartfelt and shouted loudly at this very quiet , off the beaten track bus stop location , it took me by surprise !
A “Save The NHS” message should not be necessary in a UK recovering from the effects of a deadly contagion !
The Health & Care Bill passed through parliament this week , it is believed to be a Trojan horse that will facilitate privatisation and cause lasting damage to our NHS !
Did we learn nothing from the calamitous Test & Trace privatisation ?
I’m sure this graffiti wasn’t created by a angry revolutionary or a Banksy wannabe , this looks like the voice of a “Middle England” that no longer trusts the Government with our health service !
The Health & Care bill will encourage the rationing of healthcare and should worry every family in the U.K …
This Government can not be trusted with the nations health !
Take care and stay safe…
“Middle England” losing trust in a Government they elected !
David Barrett shot the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project is coming to a end, hopefully ? It can be seen by clicking above .
The State Of Britain series is complete, it explores everyday life during the Brexit era and gives visual insights into British identity, aspirations and post-truth uncertainty .....
Check out the new UK Street Shop on this site to buy the print of the month , other Prints, Walks & More …
He is based in the South West of England .
