The Importance of Art During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In a world where we stand six feet apart, we need something to hold us together. We are all stuck at home with our lives put on pause, retreating into a monotonous, sedentary lifestyle. Due to a lack of physical contact with the outside world, we are forced into a state of introspection. We find relief in our imagination and hope for a better future, and art has turned into an outlet for this mindset. Whether hopeful, pessimistic, or informative, art never fails to convey some sort of message to the public, and since we are quarantined, there is no better opportunity to experience the creativity of others or to use our own. 

 

Every human being deals with the stressful nature of this time differently, and through their art, you can have a little insight as to what they may be going through. It is important to understand all sides of the situation and establish empathy for others in order to have a better worldview. Art is prevalent worldwide and is influential across all populations due to its disregard for language and background; it allows us to gain a clear perception of COVID-19’s effects internationally. Here are some examples of international art created during this crisis and my interpretations of them:

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In Athens, Greece: 

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Photograph: Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images

This photo depicts a mural-like painting upon a rooftop, displaying the virus itself with a partial face along with several facemasks around it made of the flags of Italy, China, Greece, and France. The text at the top of the painting is written in Greek, which is also translated into English at the bottom and reads “STAY HOME”. This work of art represents an international bond and curse through the incorporation of several countries’ flags.

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In Milan, Italy:

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Photograph: Andrea Fasani/EPA

The mural behind the pedestrian displays a person wearing a gas mask. Italy is one of the epicenters of the coronavirus, being the country ranked third with the most COVID-19 deaths per capita, and they deserve our utmost support to fight the virus. The blue eyes of the person in the mural are looking up, embodying a hopeful personality and an outlook that contradicts the overpowering, gloomy presence of the gas mask on their face.

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In East Java, Indonesia:

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Photograph: Juni Kriswanto/AFP/Getty Images

The mural behind the woman walking shows three people defending themselves against the dangers of the coronavirus, equipping themselves with face masks and clothes with full-body coverage. Murals such as these publicly emphasize the significance of wearing a facemask and being careful during these times. The translation of the large text in the mural translates as “FIGHT CORONA.”

 

With these works of art, I hope you feel inspired to alleviate your boredom and create illustrations of your own that may have to do with your experience dealing with COVID-19, and share it with the world. You never know who you may motivate with your creativity! 

 

References:

https://theconversation.com/the-importance-of-art-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-135225

https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/apr/06/coronavirus-street-art-in-pictures

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104709/coronavirus-deaths-worldwide-per-million-inhabitants/

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