Art and photography have played a key role in capturing and reflecting on the conditions for the Brexit referendum. Illustrated by a range of work by artists, photographers including Cornelia Parker, Wolfgang Tillmans, David Shrigley, Tacita Dean and Jeremy Deller as well as the satirists Cold War Steve and Led By Donkeys, who offer fascinating insights into their work, along with ephemera such as campaign posters and leaflets, and more personal photographs which capture the personal impact of the vote on both UK and EU citizens, this impassioned and compelling book explores the role of the photograph and sometimes moving image in the ongoing consequences of this political cataclysm. From Jeremy Deller's image of musicians protesting against the referendum outside the House of Commons, through to Mark Duffy's extraordinary photo of heated House of Commons debates, to moving portraits of those whose lives have been changed immeasurably, this art of protest has brought together disparate aspects of the bitterly fought battle to remain and the consequences of the decision to leave the EU on 1 January 2021 and has served as a reminder of this political and social schism. In doing so, the book offers insight into our society, exploring issues of national identity, migration, colonialism/decolonialism, racism, the flag, austerity, the border in Northern Ireland, Scotland and how artists can intervene in political debate. It offers an original, visually stimulating and attractive examination of the issues around this still topical subject, revealing how art and photography can capture and memorialise key moments in our history.
Leave to Remain : A Snapshot of Brexit