Mass Observation 2016: These Two do the Date in two different ways

23^rd September, 2016

At the back of the Art Centre, there is a small, beautiful field. People rarely come here because there is nothing to do here. Maybe this is the best thing about this place. It’s away from everything. Calm, quiet and peaceful.

The grass has been cut down in circles, which is quite satisfying. It looks like an old Greek theatre but there is only grass instead of stone. The sun is shining brightly. It’s illusive: we might feel this is summer. But the small brown leaves around in the grass, the cold wind reminds us, no, it’s not summer. It’s autumn now.

The weather is balanced between cold and warm. It feels perfect, but nothing is. A lawnmower destroys the peaceful silence and the safe feelings, which make us feel we are invisible here, are gone.

It’s good to sit alone in the nature for a little time. It refreshes our soul. But nothing lasts forever, unfortunately…

Balambér Paál

23/9/2016 

 

Two Girls escort a four-wheeled suitcase through the carpark. The older does more work but the younger doesn’t notice. Four computing students, all male, step out for a fag break; cupping their hands together against the wind. When a fifth joins them their body language changes. Her jeans are ripped at the knees

 

Later, a bald man in a blue shirt smokes two cigarettes over the course of one phonemail. The faster he paces the faster he smokes. A woman in a black jacket, hijab, and doc martens smokes a roll up, looking like a northern Sheila Vard; she weaves between six young white men in hoodies and shorts.

 

Hywel