‘Witness’ 2020

Maisie Broadhead and Jack Cole

A poignant portrait of Cole’s twin sister Zoë during the first lockdown in May 2020. Zoë was an intensive care nurse at the time, caring for those who were sick with COVID-19. Her PPE is regularly worn by builders but adapted to suit the needs of medical professionals during a time when PPE was difficult to come by.

A striking portrait reminiscent of old masters like Kneller and Lely, whose sitters were often aristocracy and richly adorned in silks. Here we see a juxtaposition of what is considered a ‘key figure’ between the influences (Kneller and Lely) and modern priorities.