Classic artworks given modern makeovers to highlight current issues

The once-lush riverside scene is rendered barren, surrounded by scorched earth, in a new version which clearly warns of the dangers of global warming.Meanwhile, Sir John Everett Millais’ 1851 painting, ‘Ophelia in the Stream’, is reworked to reflect the pollution of Britain’s rivers, streams, and waterways, which dominated the UK news cycle this summer.The re-imagined artworks were specially created by acclaimed digital artist Quentin Devine, to mark the launch of Samsung’s global ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ competition for 2023 – which encourages young people to help solve societal and global problems using technology.Richard Wilson’s ‘The Thames near Marble Hill, Twickenham’, illustrates the devastating impact fly-tipping can have on the British countryside – as shopping trolleys, mattresses, and assorted household junk are added to the scene.And Georges Seurat’s, ‘A Sunday on La Grande Jatte’, illustrates the epidemic of urban loneliness which has come to light following Covid – with all the people reduced to a lone man sat, head bowed, in quiet contemplation.Finally, Lowry’s acclaimed ‘Coming From The Mill’, is reconfigured to show a single worker – reflecting the change in working patterns, and again, highlighting the issue of social isolation.The artworks are being displayed until November 17th at Samsung KX – the brand’s flagship store in Kings Cross. The re-imagining of John Constable’s 200-year-old painting highlights the effects of global warming (Image: Quentin Devine)Samsung’s ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ competition is a global initiative that challenges young people, between the ages of 16 to 25, to use technology in creative ways to help improve social issues.Sophie Edgerley Harris, head of corporate social responsibility at Samsung Electronics UK, said: ‘The artworks that Quentin Devine has created aim to illustrate, in a unique way, the societal topics that young people in the UK today are most motivated to positively contribute to.’By reimagining some of these scenes using digital artistry, we hope more people will be inspired to enter their tech-for-good idea into this year’s ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ Competition.’Previous winners Alec and Ramneek devised innovative approaches, with smart lockers supporting people experiencing homelessness, and a tech-forward mobility aid to help people who are visually impaired.’We can’t wait to see the ideas of our 2023 competition entrants.’Digital artist Quentin Devine added: ‘Reinventing the classics with a modern twist was a huge challenge, but something of a labour of love – as many of the issues highlighted are close to my heart.’The pictures highlight Britain’s past and present – but there is a lot we can do about the future, and that is why projects like ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ are so important.’