Jessica Ladkin is a Birmingham based artist whose work explores the social changes resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.  From social distancing and wearing masks, her paintings document the adjustments both she and the people around her faced.  As both a student and artist throughout lockdown, her work was mainly produced from her studio space at home – a space which is documented throughout the accompanying publication.

Working with a variety of sizes and compositions, Ladkin’s use of painted expression represents her subjects in their situations as result of the pandemic.  Inspired by painted portraiture for the majority of her studies, capturing likeness and depth in her pieces was essential when producing a successful painting.  Firstly, choosing to document her own changes, you’ll see early works depicting changes to public transport which she experienced on her way to university in early September.  As the lockdown continued, Ladkin began to explore a wider range of individuals and their personal changes and contributions.  Connecting with key workers and asking them to send images of their daily routines during lockdown, Ladkin was able to create some inspiring pieces depicting NHS workers in their key roles – two of which will be exhibited in the Twenty Twenty collection at The New Art Gallery Walsall.