Sabina Nessa was murdered on the 17th September 2021. A vigil was held for her nationwide on Friday 24th. I was lucky enough to be able to sketch the vigil that was held for her in Coventry City Centre, by the Lady Godiva statue. As I was sketching and thinking about the event that led us here, I came to the conclusion that there is hope for us all if there are people out there who care enough to come together and spend a couple of hours or so holding up placards, united in sorrow, grief and anger. I joined the vigil after I finished the sketch, holding it up as my symbol of hope.
Paul Chokran is a Coventry-born artist who has been involved in the local art and theatre scene for many years. He is an active member of the CWSA (Coventry & Warwickshire Society of Artists) as well as the Criterion Theatre, where he designs and paints scenery. He is also a member of the Coventry Sketchers group. A qualified graphic designer, Paul has been drawing for as long as he can remember. He has exhibited locally over the years, most recently at the Herbert Art Gallery in CASE (Coventry Art Societies Exhibition) 2019, where he was the Winner of the Chairman's Favourite Painting Award. He has designed and painted scenery for various local theatre groups, including the GEC Variety Society, Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth Gang Show and YOG. After having been made redundant a few years ago, Paul has spent more time sketching from life, particularly urban sketching, which has led to him being involved in local events as a 'sketcher'.
