Fine.
Fine - a sum of money exacted as a penalty by a court of law or other authority.
Fine. The Sixteenth artwork from the Law on the Wall series by Lawyers Arts Club.
The title Fine is taken from the Offences Coronavirus Act 2020 section (c.7) SCHEDULE 21.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A SINGLE WORD
“I’m fine”. We all say it, whether we mean it or not that is different question. The powerful word can be interpreted in so many different ways. This incredibly ambiguous can either mean that you are ecstatic, mediocre or holding in your sadder emotions. It can mean to be paying money or describing something plush. Just one word, holds such a large amount of connotations.
WHY FINE ?
COVID-19 has reshaped the world that we know around us. We all went through it. It is important to be clued up on this new society and how the government have been responsible for both failures and victories since the Coronavirus pandemic began.
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, 1665
WHAT LAW IS ON THE WALL?
The legal context in this act showcases the significance of the word fine in a piece of legislation. It highlights that any person that is potentially infectious and is breaking the safety measures put in place will receive a fine.
Offences Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7) SCHEDULE 21. Powers relating to potentially infectious persons 23 (1) (2) A person guilty of an offence under this paragraph is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
“Let me be myself then I am satisfied. I know that I am a woman, a woman with inward strength and plenty of courage.”
POST-COVID ANXIETY DISORDER
After months in lockdown, with tragedy happening all around and the fear of having to fight an invisible enemy. A recent UK study suggests that 25% of its participants have have a significant increase of anxiety and depression. After a long period of time left doing very little other than discovering oneself, certain outlooks on life may have changed. Many people find it hard to leave their comfort zone and engage in a social life again. This is completely natural, however it is so important to not lose faith in that part of life. Try introducing it slowly, a few friends and family at a time. Keep in mind that most people have had a similar experience and will be struggling in their own way.
THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’
For others the fear of the virus is still very prominent. The mainstream media have engrained into our brains that by going outside you are either a risk, or are at risk yourself. Now it is crucial to accept the positive change that is happening around us. Life is slowly but surely returning to a level of normality, by coming to terms with that you could alleviate some levels of stress. Just remember it is okay to feel this way, you don’t have to pretend to be fine if you do not feel that way.
Blue Velvet film poster
ART FILM
Unlike the films we see advertised on the side of buses, art films fall into being a member of the fine art family. Usually made independently, an art film is made as an artistic spectacle. When producing these kind of movies the focus is not based more upon the visual experience. Often experimental, an art film will use the mise-en-scene, colours and props to create a feast for the eyes. Art films typically will be used to represent something, whether it be an emotion or a social environment. These movies are made for a niche market and not the mass market.
The line between failure and success is so fine that we scarcely know when we pass it: so fine that we are often on the line and do not know it.
DAVID LYNCH
David Lynch is a celebrated film director know for his take on artistic films. After studying painting in his earlier life he went on to directing beautiful movies such as Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive.
WHY IS FINE IMPORTANT IN 2021 AN BEYOND?
The idea of receiving a fine has now changed massively. Not too long ago with lived in a world fearing that if we step outside we would be fined. Whether you feel they are justified or not, just by understanding the word fine will help lower this impending anxiety that is sweeping the world.
FINE MATTERS
We celebrate the the things that are fine constantly. New clothes, new gold, fine art and films, but not everything fine is so materialistic. It is crucial that we celebrate the fine moments in life before they pass us by. It is imperative that we celebrate those people strong enough to no longer hide behind the word and speak out about the way they actually feel. We should not run away from the truth of Coronavirus.
THE CURRENT FINES
As of 19th July 2021 all restrictions on social gatherings were lifted. This meant that we no longer receive fines for meeting in large groups anywhere. The majority of limitations on our lives have been or are in the process of being lifted. As it stand at the moment the only things that you can be fined on are listed below:
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Not providing accurate details about the countries you have visited in the 10 days before you arrived in the UK.
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Breaking mandatory quarantine and testing rules after travelling from an Amber or Red list country.
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Breaking isolation requirements when informed to do so by NHS Test and Trace.
THE FINES
On breaking this refreshingly short list of restrictions you will be subject to a fixed penalty notice. The standard rate of fine at the moment is £200, reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days. If a second offence is mad then the fine doubles to £400, and will double every time. From the sixth offence onwards the fine will be capped at £6,400.
Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don’t.
APPEALS
There are is no protocol currently put in place to appeal a fine given to you for a breach of Coronavirus laws. However if you do believe you are innocent of what you are being accused of there are ways to challenge the allegation. By not paying the fine you will be required to attend Magistrates Court and defend yourself. This however comes with a risk, as if you cannot prove your innocence then the fine may be increased significantly. The other method of an appeal would be to request a Judicial Review, in which a High Court Judge will review whether the authorities have acted lawfully or not. This is a long and complicated process that could ultimately lead to the defendant being charge with a criminal offence. In a confusing world of rules for everyone it seems unjust that a fine that could potentially be very common does not have any way of appealing without such high levels of risk.
FINE ART
The term fine art is used to describe artwork that is developed mainly for it beauty. This differs with decorative art which is developed for both beauty and functionality. Fine art can be broken down into three main categories, two dimensional works, three dimensional works and performance arts (music, poetry, theatre). The majority of fine art is considered to be made before the 1900s. With the industrial revolution growing like it did in the latter of the 17th Century. Mass productions began to sweep over the art world and fine art fell out of fashion. However it did not disappear, many artists to this day focus soulfully on producing fine art.
Weeping Woman by Pablo Picasso, 1937
PABLO PICASSO
A more recent example of a fine artist is that of Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and theatre designer, Pablo Picasso. Thought his life Picasso experimented with colours and styles to create his fine art. Most notably he co-founded the Cubism movement in the art world. This particular artistic talent involved breaking down individual elements of objects and people and then reforming it in an abstract way. The term Cubism comes from the idea that when reassembled, the artwork would show multiple viewpoints. This gives the illusion of seeing different areas as if they were on the side of a cube.
The Sphere that Changed the World by Angela Palmer, 2021