What started as a lockdown moment between father and son is now being projected across the world as a ‘thank you’ to keyworkers – and it’s coming to High Wycombe on Thursday.
Internationally renowned British artist and Bucks New University graduate Ian Berry will be projecting his #iclapfor animation - which celebrates frontline workers tackling Covid-19 - on to Bucks New University’s building on Queen Alexandra Road on Thursday (May 21) from 9-11pm.
Thursday’s projection is to honour the university’s nursing students and the care workers at Bucks Healthcare NHS Trust. As part of the project, Ian wants to know who you clap for - and it could be included in the final projection.
Ian said it was his six-year-old son who started the idea.
“Elliott was the catalyst as he loved the clapping on Thursdays and it was the highlight of his week,” he explained.
“He took the photos needed and sat with me as I made it, while he drew Sonic and Shadow the Hedgehog. I worked into the night and he often woke up angry that I hadn't finish it!
“It was also his idea to put it on to the projector and soon, it was beamed out of the window.”
Since then the ‘Clapping Hands’ animation featuring Ian’s denim artwork is being shown both nationally and internationally, raising funds as well as awareness for frontline workers.
“This has taken over my life at the moment,” said Ian.
“I wake in the night seeing my projection that has been sent to me from somewhere else in the world and then I’m wide awake. It’s reached Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Sweden and the States. Let's see where else.”
The projection, which will run for two-hours, will be visible for members of the public to see from the road outside the hospital, but please keep in mind social distancing rules of staying two-metres apart.
Ian is working with industry-renowned projectionist, Ben Fender to make his artwork come to life in the hope that as many staff, patients, carers and relatives are able to see how much we all support their hard work during these challenging times.
Ian said: “I’ve got some great comments, especially when you ask the question ‘who do you clap for’? I know there is a small but passionate backlash about clapping, however, if you make it personal, no one can question me for clapping for family and friends.”
Leave your ‘pledge’ below to tell everyone who you will be clapping for on Thursday. Or visit the #iclapfor website and your message could appear on the animation.
Professor SriKartini Leet who heads the university’s School of Art, Design and Performance worked with Ian to set up Thursday event.
She said: ‘We’re really proud of Ian and I’m delighted that we’re ‘hosting’ his artwork. The amount of support we’ve had to make this event happen has been overwhelming.
“We really hope that local residents will join us at this special event so we can all show our collective thanks.”
Don’t worry if you can’t make it on Thursday the BFP team will be capturing some of the event on Facebook Live to make sure no one misses out on seeing Ian’s animation in all its glory.
Who do you clap for?
Do you have a family member or friend who is working tirelessly on the frontline during the coronavirus outbreak? Let us know who you clap for - and we'll publish all the dedications.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here