Location: Fowlers Yard
Hope in the face of austerity
A light still shines is inspired by the window grates that are installed on homes in County Durham’s areas of deprivation. Now being largely replaced in favour of colourful vinyl boards, these specific green grates are emblems of the early 2010’s years of austerity. The concept stems from seeing a light behind one of these grates and realising that there are people still living behind them.
In his work as a community artist, Lewis Hobson sees the impact of decades of disinvestment across the county. For him, these green window grates represent the effects of abandonment in Durham’s communities and homes. A light still shines offers a bridge into the difficult conversation around the inequality between Durham City and the outlying villages of the county.
“I want local people to feel represented and heard. The opportunity is there for people who have never seen the window grates to learn about why they require a more sombre reflection in contrast to other artworks. I hope my art helps to start conversations.
I want people who aren’t from Durham to take the time to learn about why this artwork might require more sombre reflection in contrast to other works. I want to show people that there are ways to start conversations and discuss difficult topics through art.” – Lewis Hobson
View accessibility information here
Find out more about Lewis Hobson here
Image credit: A light still shines, Lewis Hobson. Photo by Matthew Andrews