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Creativity is not cancelled 

Words: Chekii Harling

With many parts of the world entering lockdown, it’s easy for feelings of loneliness and disconnection to creep in. We may be physically apart, but we’re living through this separation together as a global community, which (let’s face it) is spending oodles of time online right now. Here at Selfridges, we believe that creativity has the power to bring us closer, which is why we’ve commissioned seven artists from across the globe to respond to the word ‘together’ in light of recent events.

Studio Nari 'Together'

Featuring artists from Shanghai to Rome, the resulting works which can be viewed on the Selfridges social channel are hugely diverse in style and form – from Studio Nari’s refined typography to Max Sidentopf’s lo-fi video work – yet all grant us a moment away from reality, reminding us that life will go on. After all, it’s never been more important to lift each other up and use the channels at our disposal to communicate, spread positivity and celebrate the talent within the world that we live. Art as a therapeutic tool can be hugely valuable, as Emily Derrick, Selfridges Senior Creative Direction Manager, notes: “Art helps us to reframe the narrative and now, more than ever, it can help us to deal with our individual journeys at this time”.

 

Art helps us to reframe the narrative and now, more than ever, it can help us to deal with our individual journeys at this time

- Emily Derrick, Senior Creative Direction Manager

James Massiah 'Long Ride'  

Each of the works in this series celebrates the creative process and highlights that, while we may be physically constrained, our boundless imagination can be a source of escapism. “Humour often does the trick for me,” says poet James Massiah, whose ‘Long Ride’ poetic response summarises our current day-to-day with a splash of witticism. “Some irreverence, some proximity to the lower chakras (can be both) sensitive to the times and heart-warming in some way.” Sharing our personal methods of finding joy can bring optimism to others at a time when they need it most.

Wilfred Wood 'Granny Enjoying a Meme' 

And if it’s more humour you’re after, may we recommend Wilfred Wood’s ‘Granny Enjoying a Meme’ sculpture?

 

If ever there’s a time when we should understand how to live and work closer as a community, it’s now.

- Chef-meets-artist Alex Paganelli (aka Dead Hungry)

“If ever there’s a time when we should understand how to live and work closer as a community, it’s now,” says artist Alex Paganelli of DeadHungry fame, whose inventive food photography and delicious recipes provide a visual feast (see them here) at a time when restaurants have been forced to close their doors.

We hope you will find inspiration in this series. You may not have trained as a cook, poet or painter, but there’s no time like the present to learn a new craft. Now is the time to experiment more than ever; creativity is not cancelled, and there is freedom to be found in each of its fantastic forms.

To see all the latest artistic responses from our 'Creativity is not cancelled' series, follow us on Instagram @TheOfficialSelfridges

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