COP part two: sketchbook

After having my mind opened by Scroobius Pip and Killer Mike's podcast I started to think about the perception of protesters, and rioters, and how this is probably mostly influenced by the media. I'm on the fence with the situation, it's a grey area as I think it should be. I can't encourage violence, but can see why under so much pressure people will riot.

On the topic of media- I also thought about how people consumed media. I think many people will admit that because we hear about protest and riots and uprising on the news so often it probably goes over our heads. If it can't grab the attention of the people, how can it make a difference?

I'm also still considering Bauman's idea of the ties between being beaten down by a consumerist system and violence / theft in riots. I don't think it would be the only cause, or at least, I'd like to think that most, especially in protests of crises, that they have true intentions. I can see how this could vary from say, protesting against a murder than rioting after a football match though! 

I started drawing some hand motifs. I think it would be interesting to work with small symbols, but I think the hand symbol is relevant because it suggests a certain anonymity that is key to large crowds and riots.

 So far no media choice had stood out to me. I had tried using conte but it came out very childish and messy, although I think it has potential. Carrying on from the idea of anonymity I made these character figures with a more graphic intent in mind. I also think these brushstrokes suggest something energetic which is key for the fast pace of riots.