Keep Your Exits Clear, 2018.
The need to keep your family safe and secure was exacerbated on UK television screens in the 1960s and 70s through the broadcasting of public safety information films. We were regularly told about a myriad of dangers posed by strangers, electricity pylons, escalators, fire and deep water. It seemed our family was preoccupied with safety and security in our home - numerous locks on doors and windows; escape ropes tied to the bed leg in case of fire. But it also provided a sense of stability for my parents, particularly my father who was unable to leave the familiarity of his home city for work when he lost his job.
My sister and I were blissfully unaware. Our terrors were fed to us through the black-and-white TV in the living room. We diluted the fear by turning the monochrome into colour with tinted cellophane sweet wrappers held before our eyes.
Video: https://vimeo.com/339493275
Keep Your Exits Clear, 2018. Television, looped video, plinth, cellophane, dimensions variable.
Keep Your Exits Clear (detail)