In June 2020, George Floyd was murdered on the street by police in the USA. Having spent weeks I lockdown, trapped at home and social distancing when not, the overwhelming emotional response from the public sparked protest marches around the world. This painting entitled 'You Can't Lock Us Down' was my response to that moment. I shared the image on Facebook and have had a flood of positive responses, thanks to everybody who sent me a message or clicked like. For me, the inspiration for this image was not the heinous act of inhumanity itself, but the life-affirming public response, hence the sense of colour and vibrancy. My partner then shared the image on Twitter, and The Black Lives Matter movement contacted me to ask if they could place the image in an archive of artistic responses to this historically important moment. I was honoured to be asked and delighted to give permission. It's simple acrylic on cardboard, which just goes to show you don't need fancy materials to paint something meaningful, we can all have a go and find new ways to express ourselves in these turbulent times. So while The Dial Up is on hiatus I hope you're managing to keep your creativity alive in whatever way is meaningful to you. As ever, much love!
-Alexander Williams 15/6/20
