Hysteria by Christopher J.E.Fiddes, NDD, ATC ATD.

Oil, 28” x 36”, £2000

Most of my pictures take the form of Social Comment. This can take the form of reprotage or metaphor. I have included both here.

The unique nature of the corona virus pandemic, and the degree to which it has profoundly affected our way of life will mean that it will become of great interest to historians in a century's time .My experience as a war artist in Belfast reminds me that almost all newsreel footage and news print takes the form of ephemera, and after a few decades becomes destroyed or lost. In consequence, more permanent forms of visual evidence eventually become vitally important. There is a strong tradition of social comment in English painting that includes such luminaries as Hogarth, Rowlandson Hayman, Haydon, Gilray, Frith, Fildes,(no relation !) Holl, Herkommer, Clausen,Tissot,-and the war artists of a succession of wars. In forming a mental image of the past, such works are of vital importance. So whilst my pictures are unlikely to find a place on the average sitting room wall, I believe it is essential that such images be made. 

To date, I have, during lock-down, painted seven pictures covering the visual aspects of the current pandemic, but excluding hospital scenes. 

For enquiries please contact the artist on 01788823529