This too will pass by Richard Long. Walking in lockdown

Richard Long has generously created THIS TOO WILL PASS, 2021, a limited edition silkscreen print in support of Tate. It is based on a new text work which is the result of a walk made during lockdown in 2020 in Bristol where he lives and works.

Using the familiar adage, “this too will pass”, Long reminds us of the transitory nature of the human condition. Against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and an extended period of national lockdown in the UK, the passing of time could be considered comforting or uplifting, indicated by Long’s inclusion of the words “Treasure” and “Spring”. However, with time passing, we are also reminded of the fragility of human life, reflected in the words “Sorrow” and “Loss”.

 Central to the work, signified by the contrasting bold red type and the central position, is the word “Walking”. 

In 2020, at a time when the UK government enforced a “Stay at home” policy, only allowing for a few essential activities such as outdoor exercise, the importance of walking has been felt by many. 

Long, who has been creating works around walking throughout this career, understands this importance, indicating in this work that walking is no less than a “Lifeline”.

Caminando durante un confinamiento en Bristol, Richard Long creó este juego de palabras para la Tate. 

La conocida frase "esto también pasará" nos recuerda la naturaleza transitoria de la condición humana. Otras palabras aparecen para que las busquemos. Loss (pérdida), Spring (primavera) walking (caminar) son algunas de ellas.