I Can See You is one of three projects worked on during an artist residency at North Lincolnshire Museum in 2020. The project was inspired by a local Lincolnshire book of folklore tales and beliefs from the area and research around the witch hunt era in England, looking at women accused of witchcraft.
A new narrative was formed based in a contemporary world in which so many disasters happen that people start to think irrationally, believing that older women have evil powers. The story reflects on the comparison of our own behaviours where individuals are blamed for the misfortunes of others and investigates the relationship dynamics between the victim and the offender. It addresses the behaviours of ‘othering’: the ‘them and us’ approach, which is very relevant in today’s society where we demonise and dehumanise the ‘inferior’ other group.
'Brilliant film. I particularly like the use of the newsreaders reporting the news in a contemporary and relatable way, the feeling is not too dissimilar to the feeling from Covid, Brexit and global politics reportings; when something is reported in this manner with conviction it becomes believable. Scary yet excellent work!'
Oliver Squirrell, The Artist Wingman
'What a powerful and eerily enchanting film. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen. I love the effects you’ve used, the layering, the highly saturated colours and noise. I really like what you’ve done with the Sophie Diamonds character - I think it highlights the dangers influencers can have - and how they act as an authoritative figure in the minds of the viewer’.
Sally Garwood, Creative Programmes Coordinator
'It feels very relevant to our troubled disturbing times - even though its focused around witches it made me think about who we might be blaming and othering right now’.
Helen Wells, artist