Metal Culture: Southend-on-Sea

YES WE CAN SCHOOL BANNER

This banner celebrates the girls’ multiple identities and ‘creative selves’ as an assertive self assured riposte to the pressure they all feel from social media to be ‘perfect’. The girls entirely conceived of the slogan which is a positive rallying cry to girls everywhere.

The aesthetic is a subversion of the ubiquitous ‘selfie’ - composite fantasy figures composed of expressive ‘knowing’ self portraits with collaged bodies. These figures express freedom and creativity – ‘flying free’ against a blue sky backdrop.
The digitally printed design is finished with metallic holographic vinyl for maximum ‘bling’ effect and fun, celebratory handmade pompoms.

Metal was founded in London in 2002 by Jude Kelly CBE, working with current Artistic Director, Colette Bailey since inception. They have been active in Liverpool since 2004, in Southend-on-Sea since 2007 and in Peterborough since 2012. In each place, they work from buildings of historic significance that they have transformed from empty or derelict spaces into vibrant cultural community hubs.