Pop My Mind x #PHOTOGRAPHY
Earlier this year #PHOTOGRAPHY collaborated with creative hub Pop My Mind, challenging you to pop your thinking hats on and respond to artwork featured in our current issue, #PHOTOGRAPHY Magazine | The Europe Edition. The result, a vast variety of thought-provoking art from documentary photography to painting and collection of thoughts surrounding European unity, migration and Brexit.
Here are some our favourite responses from some talented emerging artists across the globe
A View In Brussels: 2014 was the first time I went to Europe and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Living in America you constantly hear stories about how, “They hate us over there.” As much as I didn’t want to believe any of those stories, they still left me a bit apprehensive.
From the moment of landing, there was so much to get used to - the smells, the landscape and the atmosphere in general. It was funny because I didn’t feel uneasy, it actually felt a lot like coming home. I quickly learned, however, that language was going to be my biggest obstacle. I only spoke English. The USA is a melting pot, but the majority of the population speaks English, so I never felt like I was out of place or even limited in my communications.
I had already been in Belgium for a few days before visiting The Grand Place; Brussels’ historic square. It was extremely crowded and everywhere you turned were just swarms of people taking photos. In the melee, I noticed a woman standing off by herself. She looked lost, helpless and even a bit exhausted. I thought to myself, “I understand your feeling.” I realized that for the first time in my life, I was the foreigner.
At that moment, realization hit me that millions of immigrants (in the USA) must be feeling alienated every day, simply because they don’t speak the language. That they must feel lost, helpless or tormented simply because they don’t speak English. At that moment, I understood. I had much more empathy for those seeking refuge and daring to enter a land they couldn’t correspond with.
Standing in the square, with this lone woman across the way, made me feel connected. Connected to something that was way deeper than just a photo op. It was a connection of spirit and humanity. It was a moment in time that changed my perception of language, communication and kinship forever.
See more from Liz | Instagram | Twitter | Pop My Mind
My paintings were inspired by the ongoing events in the Middle East (particularly Syria and Iraq) which have driven so many people to leave their homes and families behind and in some cases, flee to Europe.
I think that it is worthwhile to remember some of the unimaginable horrors that some people have had to face. My paintings are a response to this.
See more from Adam | Facebook | Instagram | Pop My Mind
Through exploring contrasts between colours and the reaction of paints with each other I have forced and dragged white gloss paint along a wet, black, gloss surface. The white has left its mark in the darkness, to be seen, glimpsed and for the viewer to examine the details created therefore within.
See more from Emily | Instagram | Pop My Mind
A composite of 3 digital photographs, taken in Berlin Hauptbarnhof in September 2016. Hauptbarnhof was built on the site of Lerhter Barnhof, the last station in West Berlin before reunification. For me, the grand displays of public investment in infrastructure and transport defines the open, democratic and shared idealism of a Europe that endures under political and social pressure. Even on a weekday, the station was thriving and buzzing with a mixture of cultures, styles and accents.
By layering a multitude of images, my intention was to reflect the confusion, and anonymity that exists in large public spaces and that this place is restless, an area that people pass through as a conduit to connecting with other things, be they residents, citizens, travelers or refugees.
See more from Mark | Pop My Mind
The work was created using Photoshop to overlay the coat of arms/ paisley patterns against political signs. The pattern explores Britain's diverse identity, through the reference of the Empire, by the use of multiple coat of arms. The patterns are juxtaposed against the Brexit campaign highlighting the irony of British history and the campaign.
See more from Sita | Blogspot | Pop My Mind
EU...rope Is Broken: What inspired me was the current situation in Europe. As we look around we see much more poverty and homelessness. And society is getting poorer everyday! Who is to blame...the politicians, the economy and the fanatics? All we can do is keep living life, looking after our families and keep fighting for our rights.
See more from Carlos | Pop My Mind | Holywells Creatives
Make sure to check out all of the Pop My Mind #EuropeEdition responses here www.popmymind.com/content/1091 and check their website for new challenges!
