Brexit in the Visual Arts, Literature, and Film: Critical Responses
Since the UK's withdrawal from the European Union in 2020, artists have expressed predominantly negative sentiments toward Brexit.
Visual Arts - Banksy's mural depicting a workman removing a star from the EU flag, later whitewashed, reflects pessimism about the future. - Grayson Perry's "Brexit Vases" illustrate the divisions within British society. - Anish Kapoor's "A Brexit, A Broxit, We All Fall Down" shows the UK as a nation torn apart.
Literature - Chuck Tingle's "Pounded by the Pound" explores the negative consequences of leaving the EU. - Novels by Ali Smith, Mark Billingham, and Jonathan Coe examine the social impact of Brexit, with themes of xenophobia, societal collapse, and authoritarianism.
Theatre - Carol Ann Duffy uses the device of a convention in her play "My Country" to gauge British perspectives on Brexit, but has been criticized for its limited scope. - British-based migrant artists have created works that challenge the "hyper-visibility" of immigrants in the Brexit debate, advocating for their representation.
Film and Television - The documentary "Postcards from the 48%" presents the experiences of those who voted against Brexit. - The drama "Brexit: The Uncivil War" depicts the events leading up to the 2016 referendum, highlighting the campaign strategies and political machinations behind the Leave vote.
Despite the numerous negative reactions, Brexit has also been reflected in video games, music, and food products, at times with satiric or commemorative intent.