THE BACKDROP FALLS - TOWARDS A NEW INTERNATIONALISM

For the Royal West of England Academy selection panel: The Backdrop Falls considers a new way of seeing things in the light of existential crises. A visceral call for reason, to understand our finite relationship with this tiny rock we call home. This is the call of many and the root of this artistic expression.

In many languages, the words ‘un nuevo internacionalismo’ rise slowly up a tower to a rotating sphere - based on the Berlin TV Tower, a symbol of unification - telling a story of profligacy and ruin yet leading to hope. Blurred and broken, images of national flags, propaganda and environmental destruction, transitioning through the globe.

Behind the tower, forest fires, devastating storms, fossil fuel pollution, the ignorance of war. Images of havoc sequence through to images of regeneration, charity, refuge and hope.

Silent version, exhibited at Anima Mundi Gallery, February/March 2025

This century, the darkness of deceit - disinformation in the landscape of the internet - greed and intolerance have somehow suppressed the ‘light’ of honesty, compassion and hope.

But there is a stronger force for progress and understanding than there is for regression. Museums, galleries, NGO’s, International Organisations, scientists, eco warriors, writers, artists, teachers - all long term, future thinking for coming generations. Speaking to the global population, beyond borders, advocating an earthly truth, based on ecology and kindness.

The Backdrop Falls is rooted in the culture of museums and galleries - museums as a touchstone for humanity. Presenting the argument in art form is one way of amplifying and making sense of a need for a new internationalism.

MUSEUMS - A TOUCHSTONE FOR HUMANITY

ENDS