Odd behaviour today, but sensible in wartime. The Tube Shelter paintings by Henry Moore depict people finding refuge in underground shelters during WWII. These shelters were lively places, contrasting with the war-torn world above, as people strived to maintain their spirits. Inspired by this, I decided to take my artwork to the Elizabeth Line’s underground station, as a symbolic journey to escape a war that hasn’t occurred yet. This action is a reminder that though war may seem distant, we must not forget its possibility and work to ensure that places like the Elizabeth Line do not become future shelters. We must remember that war is never truly gone.
In the video, a package made of a 2 x 2 m canvas wrapped around my pillows is dragged through an underground space. The canvas symbolizes my identity as an artist, while the pillows represent the essence of home.
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Henry Moore’s Tube Shelter series and WWII photos of civilians in underground shelters offer a glimpse of wartime resilience. While some images capture moments of hope, they primarily reflect the harsh realities that forced people into such confined spaces. These scenes are not just about strength but also a reminder of war's devastating impact—ordinary lives disrupted, replaced by anxiety and survival.
The juxtaposition of fleeting optimism against underlying fear highlights both human endurance and the moral imperative to prevent such crises. These images encourage reflection not only on the courage displayed but on the conditions that made it necessary.
November 2022
Archive Support by Tate Archive, Bishopsgate Institute.