This project came to life during the ‘refugee crisis’ in 2016. It was the first time that people in flimsy little boats would arrive at the southern coasts of Europe. They fled Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. I couldn’t quite believe the callous response of the West to the desperate suffering of these people.

In my own artistic, idealistic way I was propelled into action. I started to design new fluid and colourful banners from cut up national flags.

A testament to our shared humanity!

Cut From The Same Cloth refers to the fact that we, as in all humans, are deep down the same. We feel the same emotions, aspire to similar things, we have bodies, mothers and fathers, desires and hopes.

I was commissioned by METAL Southend to realise 11 of these big banner flags for the  Estuary ’16 Arts Festival in Gravesend and got additional support from the Arts Council England and Gravesham Council.

So I started to cut up the national flags of the (back then) 27 EU states and merged them with the ones of Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. The results are bold and subversive.

With the size of 4 x 2.5 m, each one of these newly re-assembled flags is a colourful eye-catcher in public space. Their bright colours seem deceivingly decorative but the message is deeply meaningful. They show off whilst moving unpredictably and fluidly. Just like us.

They have a bit of a life of their own now and have been shown on several occasions in London and the UK. They inspire people and trigger really interesting conversations.

Photos by Benedict Johnson, Giles Mountain and myself.

Cut From The Same Cloth flags each measure 450 x 260 cm and can be hung outdoors or inside. 2016. They are made from MOD approved flag fabric.
Not for sale but they can be borrowed. New flags can be commissioned. If you would like to borrow or commission a flag please get in touch.

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