Where’s the Brexit?

I have just submitted this photo for the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition. The theme this year is our contemporary world and what can be more contemporary than the Brexit chaos we find ourselves in? Though what things will be like come the summer is anyone’s guess.

In creating the photo I went out for a walk with my camera, with the intention of finding a scene that could represent how I feel about Brexit. There was an old closed down pub on my route that I wandered over to have a closer look at. It’s called The Cricketers and stands facing the St Helen’s Cricket and Rugby Ground in Swansea. The pub is famous for being in shot when Garry Sobers hit 6 sixes in an over on the ground, at least one of the huge strikes sailed down the road next to the pub.

Nowadays, it is a symptom of our changing drinking habits and the impact of austerity. It’s been closed for a few months, but I was unprepared for the chaos inside that greeted me when I looked through the only ground level window not boarded up. The floors were all gone, the low winter light that poured through the upper windows lit a scene of havoc.

The main wall facing me was daubed with some art graffiti that looked like two warring penises created in blood. It reminded me of the in-fighting, personal battles and arguments of the Brexit debate. Then I noticed that if a leant back a little I could capture some of the reflected clouds in the window, hinting at the possibility of the currently hidden hope of a resolution.

The final version has had a change of artist’s name. The graffiti tag being replaced by the name Eris – the Greek goddess of strife and discord – a fine maker of the mess we find ourselves in. I would be interested to hear what you think. Please post your comments in response to this post and have a Happy Brexit!