All artists work is more than about creating a picture or photo. Sometimes the work is an advert to sell a product or sometimes the work is to accompany or explain a piece of text. Most artists work is there to convey a message. However the creation of the message or the reason behind it can be effected massively by the time period the work is created in. What is happening at the time may be something that affects the artist themselves or something they feel strongly about and which they what to tell people about through their work. An artists work can capture a piece of time in paint.
Peter Kennard's work demonstrates how what is happening at the time can be reflected in the work of the time. At first glance the painting looks like a copy of the Constables Haywain. Originally produced in 1821 the painting depicts a hay wain at the Flatford Mill in Suffolk. However take a closer look at Kennards piece and there is an obvious difference between the two. With almost all the work identical, your eye is instantly drawn to the cart in the centre of the piece. Behind the cart in stark white, three nuclear missiles point up towards the sky.
The work was produced in 1980 a time when nuclear war became a major issue to the world. Many protests took of all through Europe, especially in Britain protesting against nuclear war. One major protest that occurred in Britain in the 80's is the
Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp. Beginning in September 1981 a group of Welsh women named 'Women For Life On Earth' arrived at Greenham protesting against the government decision to place nuclear cruise missiles there. Causing significant media interest and many other peace camps around Britain and Europe eventaully the goverment revoked thier decsion. Kennards work reflects the feeling of the time. By placing nuclear missiles in a classic and well recognized painting Kennards message conveys that by placing nuclear missiles in Britain that the government are destroying Britain's country and history.
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