(Framed under Glass) Fine liner drawing on A1 Paper

This work is a satirical response to the culture of “safe spaces” that has taken over many of the United Kingdoms key educational institutions. Safe spaces may at first seem like harmless demands by young “Social Justice Warrior” types to protect transgender students from those who would question their life choices. Perhaps safe spaces may even seem reasonable when seen in the context of creating a space for open dialog about challenging new ideas and cultural changes in politics. But, it has come to my attention that the culture of safe space is increasingly used as an argument and means to de-platform visiting speakers to universities which some student unions deem unacceptable. Their fore “safe space” is in direct conflict with the concept of freedom of speech in our culture. Freedom of speech being the most important concept for the arts in a truly free society makes this issue of key importance at this cultural nexus we are navigating.

Some students wish to frustrate open discussion with people who differ from the hard line left wing (progressive) narrative that is pushed and wish to close them selves off from challenging debate over which ideals should be pursued in the name of virtue. Universities are increasingly giving ground in this culture war. They are not standing up for their historical position of rigorous questioning, keeping an open mind and allowing exposure to different ideas, (even if you don’t agree with them if only not to understand more wisely why one does not.) which has traditionally been their mainstay. This is a national shame and a generation of young people are potentially being indoctrinated and not encouraged to think for themselves anymore.

The works satirically calls out the hypocrisy of the current situation. Mountain rock spires are depicted within the letters ironically declaring this safe space as an oxymoron as there can be no safe space in true learning and exploration. It’s only by exposing yourself to danger at increasing levels that can make one truly grow as a broadminded person.