Zoë Barker-Draws by Gabriel Noble

Zoë Barker-Draws is one of my favourite artists at the moment. Her show, which is on until the 14th of May at the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, depicts the issue of global companies ruining any real originality in British towns. This project came about after a Tesco decided to plonk itself in the middle of Zoë’s rural hometown in Suffolk. On a personal level I can relate with Zoe, my high road now has 2 Tesco’s and a Sainsbury’s, it’s ridiculous! I’m a big supporter of independent shops, companies and brands so it really is annoying when lifeless companies position themselves right next to where I live.

Zoë conveys the frustration we seem to share by contrasting Old England with dull chain stores to humorous effect, using witty catchphrases along with her illustrations to add a bit of irony to her work. Check the pictures of her illustrations below and if you like what you see you can also buy her limited edition book, (only 300 copies) which features a series of her drawings from the Values project here. It’s signed by Zoe, is printed on 200 gsm uncoated stock paper and comes in a Kraft 12” vinyl envelope a good buy for £15.