Articles
Artists In Isolation
Artists
9 months ago
Anne Desmet RA: engraving angels
Artist Anne Desmet RA documents the weekly progress of her latest wood engraving – inspired by her mother, the resilience of the human spirit, and Florence Nightingale.
Opinion
10 months ago
“Lockdown reminded us that we’re all makers – and that could change everything.”
As museums and galleries reopen, Antony Gormley reflects on a revelatory three months in lockdown – and a cultural shift that could change the arts for the better.
Opinion
12 months ago
“After lockdown, there are decisions to be made. Are the arts essential, or a nice luxury?”
The latest in our ‘Artists in Isolation’ series, Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid RA shares her experience of grieving in lockdown, and explains why, when we come out of it, conversations about the value of art have never been more vital.
Artists
12 months ago
“The pandemic is giving us time to think about the kind of life we want afterwards.”
The Covid-19 pandemic may have isolated us, but for Yinka Shonibare RA it’s given him the space he needs to truly become an artist again.
Artists
1 year ago
Video: John Maine RA on the impact of coronavirus on his new sculpture, ‘Turning Point’
In this video from our ‘Artists in Isolation’ series, John Maine RA talks us through the process of making a huge, stone sculpture for Salisbury town centre – and what happens when lockdown lands in the middle of it.
Opinion
1 year ago
“For those of us who make a living out of our art, our future may be fragile.”
Artists work in isolation, but they do it under the belief that one day people will experience their work. For Chris Orr, it’s the isolation of everybody else that’s frightening…
Opinion
1 year ago
“I’m hoping that lockdown will force a rethink of state expenditure on the public realm.”
Our latest ‘Artist in Isolation’ column comes to you from Berlin, where architect Louisa Hutton RA lives with her husband and business partner, Matthias Sauerbruch. She shares the experience of running a practice in lockdown, and, despite it all, hopes for the fundamental good that could emerge from this crisis.
Opinion
1 year ago
“We have to stay strong. We have to believe art always wins.”
From isolation, artist and activist Ai Weiwei shares a message of hope for the Royal Academy’s Friends, visitors and followers around the world.
Opinion
1 year ago
“We listen to the air-raid sirens sounding the start of curfew, as the sun disappears into Palestine.”
As part of our ‘Artists in Isolation’ series, Stephen Farthing RA describes life in locked-down Jordan – how he hopes to finish his next painting before lockdown ends, and how the local call to prayer has been louder since COVID-19.
Opinion
1 year ago
“Who knows how many new talents will pick up a pencil, brush or iPad in isolation?”
These are difficult times for everyone – but art thrives in a crisis, says Rebecca Salter PRA, as we launch a new series of artists and architects documenting their creativity in isolation.