Oil on canvas
2024

In the Summer of 2024 a series of attacks, protests, and riots, led by members of the far-right, occurred across the UK. Here in Newcastle, at least two of these were supposed to happen within the space of a week. Fearing damage, many businesses closed early and sent their staff home, some even choosing to board up their windows in preparation. Simultaneously, news of a counter-protest spread amongst residents of the area.

On the 10th of August, a flood of people entered the streets, holding placards and banners to protest the far-right presence. The streets filled with the throng of people, easily out-numbering the opposition.

Unite! is an urban painting showing an almost endless sea of people, marching in unison to protest the violent acts of the far-right. In the centre of the frame, a bright red flag emblazoned with the word ‘Unite’ can be seen.

Here I continued my interest in expanding the line and drawing a divide between person and crowd by building out from the figures with an almost graphic line of cadmium red.