Description

One Saturday night, last summer, in Barcelona, I felt compelled to snap these women on the last metro home. I’d had a drink and was feeling brave. I pretended to be playing with my phone – I even risked taking a second photo to get their feet in!

It’s rude to stare at women on the metro and it’s even ruder to take photos of them without their permission but how else am I supposed to capture people off guard like this?

I wonder what they would have done if they caught me? I’m curious how they’d feel if they ever saw this painting and recognised themselves? If you know them, I’m totally up for apologising and giving them a print or two.

The whole time I was painting this, I kept thinking about who they are, what their relationship is to one another and imagining the type of lives they lead.

Also, I’ve been speculating about how people will feel about this painting once this pandemic is all over? Being reminded by the masks about such a strong yet unifying moment in history – one that’s hopefully changing the people of the world for the better!

So here these women are, displayed for the whole internet to see. Playing out their roles as caring citizens, wearing their disposable medical face masks, that also provide them a little anonymity.

Do you think drawing attention to these women and giving everyone the opportunity to stare at them, crosses a line?

Visit my blog to watch me painting this piece!