Cover image for Dublin Inquirer print edition #54

T?his piece tries to describe the unsettling nature of the “new normal” – some people are staying apart, others are staying indoors, and many are embracing the re-opening. But personally, I am confused by the guidance, by what feels comfortable, and by what feels safe. Lockdown was clear-cut, but I feel unsure of how to behave now that things are open again. And maybe I’m not alone?

I am a multi-disciplinary artist working across the mediums of collage and embroidery. With a background in architecture and urban art, I work almost exclusively with existing analogue material to create both abstract and figurative collages. I am drawn to bold colours, patterns and contrasting elements, which I then compositionally curate to construct playful, direct and sometimes brazen artworks. My style ranges from geometric and architectural to fluid and harmonious, and my current practice focuses on crafting narrative scenes that respond to and represent the current global situation. You can see more of my work on Instagram @sorchaoh_collage, and at sorchaohiggins.com.