UK Artists Speak Out Ahead of June 8 General Election
As the UK gears up for a snap general election on June 8, 2017, the political atmosphere surrounding Brexit is being explored by various artists. Prime Minister Theresa May has called for the election to secure a strong mandate for Brexit discussions, pitting her Conservative Party against Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party, which advocates for a £10 minimum wage. Mark McGowan (b. 1964) is posting pro-Corbyn videos on YouTube, while Cornelia Parker (b. 1956), the 'Election Artist 2017', documents the campaign on Instagram, with her work set to be included in the Parliamentary Art Collection. Jeremy Deller (b. 1966) has initiated a guerrilla poster campaign targeting May's policies, and Wolfgang Tillmans (b. 1968) remains vocal against Brexit on Instagram. Additionally, KennardPhillips showcased politically charged photomontages at Dadiani Fine Arts. Corbyn is also known for his love of poetry and abstract painting.
Key facts
- UK general election on June 8, 2017, called by PM Theresa May.
- Main contenders: Conservatives (May) vs Labour (Jeremy Corbyn).
- Labour proposes raising minimum wage to £10.
- Mark McGowan posted pro-Corbyn videos on YouTube.
- Cornelia Parker appointed Election Artist 2017.
- Parker documenting campaign on Instagram; final work for Parliamentary Art Collection.
- Jeremy Deller launched guerrilla poster campaign 'Strong and Stable my Arse'.
- Wolfgang Tillmans campaigns against Brexit on Instagram.
- KennardPhillips exhibition at Dadiani Fine Arts from June 6.
- Jeremy Corbyn has published poetry and paints abstractly.
Entities
Artists
- Mark McGowan
- Cornelia Parker
- Jeremy Deller
- Wolfgang Tillmans
- Peter Kennard
- Cat Phillips
- Kurt Schwitters
- George W. Bush
- Jeremy Corbyn
Institutions
- Tate Modern
- British Library
- Frith Street Galleries
- Parliamentary Art Collection
- Fondation Beyeler
- Dadiani Fine Arts
- The Guardian
- Financial Times
- The Telegraph
- Artribune
Locations
- United Kingdom
- London
- Cheshire
- Remscheid
- Basilea
- Basil
- Switzerland
- Bologna
- Italy
- Naples