ART IN THE TIME OF COVID

Cancelled shows, fairs and gallery events, people told to stay at home, public life gone — the creative economy (among others) is under threat because of Covid-19. So how are Gina Soden and her fellow young artists adapting to this?

“Oh it’s such a crazy difficult time for so many people,” she says. “I was meant to start work on a new series at my five-week art residency at Villa Lena in Tuscany, which will now be postponed until next April,” she says. “I was so gutted about it, but I think it’s reminded me what’s important — to have a roof over my head for my husband, family and friends all to be safe and well. What more can you ask for in these unprecedented times?”

Working alone in isolation is nothing new for most artists but selling in isolation is proving to be harder. Digital platforms, and apps such as Instagram have helped hugely. Soden has taken up a “genius” initiative by Matthew Burrows: artists selling artworks priced at a maximum of £200, and once each artist reaches £1,000-worth of sales, they pay it forward by purchasing another artist’s work. She’s received a flood of orders by eager fans over her @ginasodenartist Instagram account already. It’s proved a great way to support young creative talent and acquire accessible pieces that bring beauty into our homes, especially since we’re now spending so much time in them.