Brexit or Bremain? Artists Stand up for the EU

Commissioned by Britain Stronger in Europe, 14 artists including sculptor Anthony Gormley, Turner Prize Winner Tacita Dean and artist Bob and Roberta Smith have unveiled posters in support of keeping Britain in the EU.

As the vote fast approaches this week, the posters passionately demonstrate the benefits of EU membership and call on people to vote to remain this Thursday 23^rd June.

As many of us drift in and out of the propaganda that surrounds the campaign, the artworks offer the opportunity to highlight key factors such as free movement, collaboration culture and stability for the UK economy that could make you think twice before jumping ship.

We took a look at the artists’ taking a stand against the Brexit campaign and the works set to empower the cultural and economic benefits that Bremain would mean to our future. 

Antony Gormley 

“The European project is creative, an opportunity to exercise imagination. It is the present form of the ongoing dynamic between geography and tribe. We have always been part of this evolving story and need to stay part of it. Britain has key role to play in the European Parliament, Commission and Councils, they are our opportunity to contribute to a collective future that is the result of much sacrifice.”

Damien Hirst

Bob and Roberta Smith

“The EU has its inspiration in the post war desire for peace. It is an agent in creating peace and stability. It benefits business and builds the economic base for prosperity but beyond that it is fundamentally about peace. We have only got each other, let's work together. Vote to Remain in Europe.”

Wolfgang Tillmans

“The longer I immerse myself in the subject matter of the EU referendum, the more ludicrous the idea behind exiting without any strategy seems to me. A contribution, which Britain pays along with other wealthier members like Germany, helps raise standards throughout the EU and is money well spent, and not wasted. To insinuate, as Leavers do, that the money ‘saved’ will be spent on the NHS shows the wickedness of those behind the Leave campaigns.” 

View Wolfgang Tillmans series of artworks and compelling statment in response to the EU Referendum here.

Eva Rothschild

“Britain is physically part of Europe, so why would we choose to distance ourselves from our closest neighbours and a whole community with a shared sense of history and identity? There are things that may need to be reformed within the EU but Britain can be part of that – we can play a role in the shaping of a future Europe but only by remaining within the union.”

Michael Tierney

“One of the biggest and best changes since my childhood has been the ease with which you can now travel between here and countries on the continent. Why on earth would you vote to go backwards?”

Ewan Mitchell

“My decision to support vote Remain comes down to two points. The EU bridges gaps between millions of people. I personally wouldn’t know half of my friends if it weren’t for the free movement that the EU offers. It is something we need to hold on to, but also build on. Whereas the Vote Leave campaign is championed by many of the worst right wing political figures in the UK, who want to shut us off both socially and politically.”

Tacita Dean

“The EU is an agent for peace and a vision for the future, not a return to our fractured and bloody past. There is no virtue in insularity. My question to those still equivocating is are Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen and Vladimir Putin your natural bedfellows? With their endorsement of Brexit comes proof of the nasty nationalism at the heart of this referendum.”

Anish Kapoor 
 

Michael Craig Martin 

Feeling Inspired?

Read more about the EU Referendum and how it will affect you on the Britain Stronger in Europe website.

Read more about the artists behind the artwork in The Guardian's article: "Drawing a Line: Artists' take a stand against Brexit"