No10 Optics Form

It's not often you can brave a post brushing the political. Given that the current UK govt is "underwater" maybe today can be that day.

For this week pollster YouGov found the now twelve-months-in Labour administration approval rating has slumped to minus 59.  An astonishing 70pc dissatisfied with their performance, offset only by 11pc satisfied.

The above screenshot is from their "phase two launch" twitter video. It shows the Prime Minister. Seated at his desk. Wider angles show his black monitor, just off screen, left.

So that abstract wall hanging may well feature as part of his personal office videoing backdrop.

It struck me as a slightly odd choice. Despite the meaning of art being highly subjective, personal and changeably interpretative, it did not appear to say much positive about the person in front.

Then I read about it.

From the dismissive critique; 'an idea looking for a form', lacking 'a clear definition'. To the allegorical praise; evoking rebirth and renewal.

Both of which may apply in the broader sense here.

Yet my point about this placement, deliberate as it surely is, centres on how whatever we place behind ourselves for when on a video call, it always says something.

So let's make it admirable, noteworthy and resonate.

I also note there's been an upgrade in more formal prime ministerial videoing. As these snaps six months apart from the Cabinet Room show.

From smaller white, to larger black monitor. Which also allows for a loftier webcam. Ever the pro tip.

Lastly, I can't help but commend that piece of desk furniture. These kinds of slanted, (wooden or plastic) angled, lectern-top slope, tilted drafting style boards are great when you have notes on which to refer. This example also shows screen real estate ripe for attaching a slogan. In the now ubiquitous 'media conference' styling. Also with merit to keep your theme in-vision.