During the summer of COVID-19, it seemed like physical experiences of art were put on hold, with most engagement remaining online for the time being. Yet, in the midst of it all, the Glasgow-based artist David Sherry carried out a series of performances right in the middle of the High Street in Forres on the Moray coast as part of his residency at Findhorn Bay Arts.

Sherry’s practice is full of humour. His attempt to Post Hand to Self – a performance where he posted his hand in a parcel to his studio – invites us to have a second look on everyday actions. If we think about it pragmatically, like the post office worker processing his request, we might wonder how long it would take for Sherry to run back to his studio to determine the shipping fees. Unfortunately, it seems like the tracked option isn’t available for this delivery. When asked if he does the same performances in Glasgow, Sherry admits that it isn’t something that would be suitable. There is something about the small towns like Forres that gives him the freedom to experiment, even though some of the ideas have been in his mind for a while: ‘If you don’t do them, they are still there. The only way of finding out if they are good is by doing them’.

As part of his performance *Painting a Curb Stone in the Same Colour as a Curb Stone*, he struck up discussions with passers-by who were curious about his action.

“Their conversations helped me to understand the work. Is the painted curb more real than the unpainted one?” explained Sherry during our recent conversation.

Pointlessness, reality – these are subjects that are pertinent in a world of fake news, surreal presidential campaigns and redundancies. How much does the branding of a country actually correspond to the country’s everyday experience? Currently at least, there is a clear discrepancy between the international image that Scotland portrays, of beautiful landscapes and historic cities, and the reality of furloughed workers and overworked doctors.

These strange times haven’t been simple for art organisations either. Yet, Kresanna Aigner, the CEO of Findhorn Bay Arts, remained optimistic and eager to adapt the programme to the current situation. Listening to local residents has been an essential part of understanding their current needs and concerns. Instead of the usual biennial Findhorn Bay Festival which may have attracted too many tourists, there has been a focus on the local: a pop-up shop with local produce, an upcoming pop-up festive market featuring the works of local artists and designers, as well as an alternative festival, but this time outdoors with buskers and street theatre in collaboration with Surge Scotland. As most indoor venues remain restricted, this is a great example of how smaller communities can find new ways of engaging with arts during the pandemic.

Find out more about David Sherry.

Words by Polina Chizhova

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