Artist’s ‘social distancing’ work to be shown in city
A COVENTRY artist’s ‘social distancing’ artwork will be showcased across the city to highlight the importance of staying safe during the pandemic.
Lewis Spencer has created a series of original pieces to reflect Coventry’s response to coronavirus and how it has impacted the city.
The artist and creative producer has worked alongside Coventry City of Culture Trust and One Coventry Partnership on the commission which will be displayed on billboards, lamppost banners, buses and across social media.
Lewis said: “This has truly been an amazing experience and I have enjoyed every minute of creating work for my city.
“My initial starting point for my submission to Our New Normal was to create designs that interacted with the city’s architecture and doubled up as infographics about the city whilst still promoting social distancing.”
Lewis wanted to incorporate Coventry’s monuments and people to ‘capture the city’s youthful spirit’.
He added: “The messages displayed on the posters are intended to be playful and heartfelt, bringing a bit of joy in these strange, anxious times.
“I typically work on different forms from paintings and installations through to events and exhibitions in public spaces and I have also been working to produce a free events and arts listing magazine for Coventry called Secret Knock Zine, collaborating with over 20 artists.”
Chenine Bhathena, Creative
Director of City of Culture Trust, said: “As UK City of Culture, we wanted to put artists at the heart of how we keep communicating about social distancing.
“Lewis has created a series of iconic artworks which you will see across the city’s skyline in coming days and weeks.
“We’re an inventive and creative city, so these artworks show how our City of Culture can respond to this pandemic, moving people to keep observing social distancing.”
West Midlands Police has supported the message and hope that people will continue to social distance and stay safe.
The West Midlands Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Waheed Saleem said: “It’s great to be able to support young, local artists who are playing a vital role in inspiring hope in communities through this difficult time.
“Social distancing is going to be important for months to come and ensuring that we explain it in various ways to reach all parts of our community is key.
“This artwork will be a great addition to the city. By adhering to social distancing measures we can make sure that people can keep safe”.
Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, added: “It’s important that the social distancing measures and stay safe messaging remains in the forefront of people’s minds as we all look to move forward together as a city over the coming months. To assist in the reinforcing of the messaging to our local communities, the artworks will act as a timely visual reminder to users and visitors in and around Coventry.”