Game Changer

A new admittance to Southampton General Hospital, today, was a mostly monochrome painting of a little cutie dressed in T-shirt and dungarees holding high one of the latest additions to the league of superheroes, a nurse. Batman and Spiderman appear to have been discarded as they are left slouching in the wastepaper basket beside the preoccupied child.

The traditionally dressed toy nurse, arms stretched out in a superman pose, cape billowing behind, is also wearing the now familiar basic face mask, considered the minimum PPE requirement for many health care workers across the world, subject to supplies of personal protection equipment being available. On her apron is a red cross, an internationally recognised symbol of protection and neutrality, but no guarantee that the bearer will be shielded against harm in a pandemic.

The painting, entitled 'Game Changer', is a gift from the well-known, yet unknown, street and urban artist, Banksy, and is due to be auctioned later in the year to raise money for the NHS. Whilst the funds will come in handy, for a cash strapped public health service, I can't help but feel extremely sad that this painting may disappear from public gaze once purchased by the highest bidder.

Needs must, sentiment aside, the art not only carries a message of appreciation, but has the power to have a tangible impact on those it was created for. Whoever Banksy really is, their business not mine, they've certainly paid a very touching and personal tribute to a service we could never do without.

And if you're interested in checking out more of Banksy's work, their official website is here

Wednesday 6th April 2020