I decided to visit the area recently – in order to re-visit some of my favourite buildings in the area – and found that there was an interesting art installation outside the main entrance. There were a few spray cans with skeletons inside them and rubble around the cans.
I did feel, however, that the note with #stoppolicecuts was somewhat poignant in light of the riots in England; although, I am not sure when this installation was set up so am not sure whether it was in response to this. What was a legitimate, and peaceful, protest in regards to policing in one of the most deprived areas in London, if not England, turned into wanton disrespect to other people’s property and livelihoods.
I did have a quick look on Twitter to see if anyone had tweeted #stoppolicecuts, and no one really had. I did wonder how effective the statement was.
What I took away from the installation was the fine line between what is perceived to be acceptable and unacceptable – whether it’s expression, art or social norms - is very fine, if not very ambiguous.