Hackney Heart

by Mark Lay June 7, 2020

Hi.

As I sit here on an overcast Sunday afternoon staring at two magnificent victorian gas towers 'built by designer John Clark in 1866' I wonder why I'm actually bothering to write this post when all around me the world seems to be imploding on itself. This time last month I was commenting on life in lockdown due to the COVID19 pandemic which has now all but been forgotten due to the racist murder of George Floyd by Police in Minneapolis which put into motion a series of protests which then led to rioting which then gave President Trump an excuse to use the 1807 Insurrection Act to put active-duty troops onto US streets!

I've found myself becoming obsessive over US news broadcasts, hungry for any updates and wondering how it must feel to be a marginalised black person in the US. How could I possibly know or understand what it must feel like? I'm a white male living in London, and I'm all too aware of the privilege that brings me which in itself is fucked! I guess the best thing I can do right now is to show support whether it's through words or action. As sad and upsetting as the last few days have been surely these past events will push the American people to take a long hard look at themselves and in turn, encourage change? Serious and essential change!

steveespopowers black lives matter art print

The above image was created by one of my favourite Brooklyn based artists Stephen Powers and is available to download as a free pdf from here.

History#1 by Laura Sills.

I came across this incredible image whilst scrolling through Instagram this morning and felt that I just had to share it. All proceeds from any print sold on Laura's site up until the end of June will go directly to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.

https://laurasills.darkroom.tech/

Today's view from my temporary Hackney residence.

Whilst on the subject of Hackney, If anyone would like to swap a two-bed flat for let's say some prints, a bag of assorted chocolate, some cheese and maybe a pair of socks then please get in contact ASAP.

Planet Patrol in support of Hackney Food Bank

Last month I went into the studio and decided to create a small Hackney Map- edition in response to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic. Because of the amazing work carried out not only by front-line NHS workers but also small charities such as Foodbanks I felt it necessary to create a limited edition screenprint whereby £10 from each sale would go directly to benefiting the people most in need.

Foodbanks were set up so that people who are struggling financially or have been made redundant are able to receive a box containing essential food supplies. Foodbanks help prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.

If you'd like to support my local Foodbank whilst at the same time also supporting little old me then please feel free to make a purchase of the new Magenta Hackney Heart screenprint. Hackney Heart

Hackney screenprint

Keep fighting the good fight!
Big Love
Mole