Rishi Sunak has trailed a general election later this year, but a Hackney artist is getting Londoners in the mood by urging them to vote in May's Mayoral election.
Voting Schmoting at Inky Fingers Gallery in Hackney Wick showcases 250 provocative, humorous, and inventive images encouraging people to cast their ballot.
The show has been put together by East London artist David Buonaguidi aka Real Hackney Dave, whose own work is a cushion in TFL tube upholstery, with the slogan 'Get Off Your A**e'.
Other donated artworks include Batgirl with a vote sign on her belt, a photo of Nigel Farage with a snake mouth, and a security-protected tin of baby milk with 'Vote' on it.
They will all be sold to raise money to fund bursaries for young people to study on the Art and Design foundation course in Camberwell.
The exhibition was inspired by a politician friend who told Buonaguidi that 58% of Londoners didn't vote in the last Mayoral election.
The Ad man turned printmaker explained: "At the end of last year, my friend Natalie Campbell, the independent London mayoral candidate, got in touch and asked if we could help raise awareness about the importance of voting.
"In the last Mayoral election only 42% of Londoners voted, which is pathetic when you think that more than a century ago, Emily Davison threw herself under a horse and died for the right to vote. A few years ago, I didn’t bother voting against Brexit because I never thought it would happen.
"I will never underestimate the power and importance of my vote EVER again. Voting changes things. Get off your arse and vote and positive change happens."
Buonaguidi spent 35 years in advertising and founded the agencies St Luke’s and Karmarama, before quitting the industry four years ago to make art full time.
He rose to prominence in 2003 with his ‘MAKE TEA NOT WAR’ poster for the march against the war on Iraq, which is now in the Victoria & Albert Museum collection.
His work has also been displayed at the Saatchi Gallery, and is permanently featured at the Jealous Gallery, East Art Gallery, and Hooked Gallery among others.
Voting Schmoting is at Inky Fingers Gallery, 88 Wallis Road, E9 until April 5.
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