These Things and Me

“I wanted to encourage participants to respond to all of the confusing, dynamic and conflicting situations that have been going on in our worlds this year. For inspiration, we looked to artists who have challenged traditional ways of working. We questioned the language that different colours and materials have, as well as the ways we could use art to explore big questions and challenge the meaning of familiar objects.” - Zoe Allen, BALTIC Artist 

Ted (Pink Hoodie Boy) also made this work, a photographic assemblage inspired by Dada, an illogical and absurd early-twentieth art movement. Over lockdown, children and adults were metaphorically tethered to their computers. Here, the light-up eyes of the teddy are fixed on the screen – possibly playing games, doing work or watching films.

“That’s all they have to do in lockdown.”
Ted (Pink Hoody Boy)

Cyanotypes paper reacts when exposed to sunlight –  placing objects on the paper blocks the light so it remains white and the uncovered areas turn a striking blue. Young people created their own object-led self-portraits using things from their pockets, bags and surroundings. 

Savannah's work uses foliage she found on lockdown walks. She also used a bow, a curved-wire initial ‘S’, and a wooden star - to remind her ‘that she is one.’