Boat at sea

The output is a creative project comprising a hand-drawn animation produced in response to conversations with migrants that had had to travel across the Mediterranean. Research process: The research extends from Barker making drawings in his local community, having conversations with the people he met on the streets as he did so. In this case, the drawings Barker had previously made of a tower block in Leeds that migrants now occupy, were a focal point around which stories were told to him. The drawings were based on the narratives of the terrible hardships suffered as people struggled to find their way to Leeds. These were turned into a short-animated film. Research insights: Barker’s research is a practical exploration as to how the elements of narrative are first of all refined into significant images through drawing and how these images can be used within various appropriate visual arts practices, including ceramics, animation, large scale allegorical drawing, textiles and printmaking. It allows Barker to explore the contemporary relevance of allegory within fine art practice. It also provides an avenue for contemporary political and social issues to become part of an ongoing dialogue, between both art practitioners and wider audiences, on the possible role of art as a means of facilitating political and social awareness within a poetic framework. Dissemination: The animation was selected for and exhibited at the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, Trinity Buoy Wharf, London and touring exhibition. 29 September 2018 – 6 July 2019