Zoom by visual artist Steve Russell.
The Society has recently installed a specially commissioned portrait by visual artist Steve Russell to commemorate the COVID-19 era.
The portrait, Zoom, recognises nine individuals who have contributed to the achievements of the Society in various ways across this demanding period, from chairing our first hybrid Annual International Conference to leading the Government Geography Profession and teaching the next generation of geographers.
Director of the Society, Professor Joe Smith, said of the work, “Zoom showcases how every constituency that makes up the Society: researchers, explorers, teachers, students and professionals, have sustained their work for geography and the Society. They are all exemplars of the adaptability and resilience characteristic of our community in these challenging past 18 months. We greatly appreciate all the efforts of those who have continued to work with and support the Society in championing geography and geographers through the ongoing pandemic.”
The portrait is hung in the Society’s reception and will become part of the Society’s historic Collections as a way of holding a unique memory of this period.
Steve Russell’s work is also on display in the Director’s Gallery with his exhibition Proximity which explores ideas of self and identity through an array of London’s inhabitants. The exhibition will be on display until 25 October, and there is an accompanying essay by Kings College London geographer Dr Luke Dickens.