Although there shouldn’t be any, there’s been a lot of controversy over the wearing of masks as PPE (personal protection equipment) to help protect people from contracting or spreading Covid-19. Despite the recommendations of just about every accredited scientist and medical professional, contentious examples of people who indignantly refuse to wear one are recorded on mobile phones and uploaded to twitter and instagram daily. Maybe some of these stunning examples of activist art promoting the wearing of a mask will help convince the uninformed.
Promoting Mask-Wearing With Art
In response to the devastating effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic, a new online Art Community named “Amplifier” was created. The site was designed to give anyone a chance to make artwork that can help lead to real and meaningful change. Having launched an emergency “Open Call” for for symbolic imagery related to COVID-19 depicting mental health, well-being, and social change, the site received hundreds of submissions.
Ranging from digital art to graphic design to paintings, several submissions expressed the precautions we’ve been urged to take by healthcare professionals: “Stay At Home”, “Wear A Mask”, “Practice Social Distancing” and “Wash Your Hands.” Others concentrated on the emotional aspects of isolation, fear and confusion.
We combed through hundreds of submissions and because there were so many good ones, we focused on those promoting the wearing of a mask and chose to share our favorites.
In solidarity with their global community of artists, they awarded $1,000 apiece to 60 artists, with the winning works announced each week last April. The artworks will be distributed widely, both online and in the physical locations where they are needed most. All art selected by the jury will also be made available as free downloads for anyone to print and share.
The crowd-sourced Covid-19 campaign was a chance to make work that will be inspire us all to stay strong, safe, and united.