Some artists focused on the eerie silence left behind by the intense lockdowns from March to June, while others tried to find ways to spread hope, motivation, and courage even in this bleak time. Unsurprisingly, many graffiti and street artists have incorporated COVID-19 themes into their work this past year.

As the virus is under some control, and lockdowns are gradually being lifted across the world, people have started stepping outside with precautionary measures. Muralists are taking this as an opportunity to utilize public places to showcase art and spread awareness. Toilet papers, face masks, and disinfectants are some of the common subjects of street artists. However, others are emphasizing boosting immunity, enhancing will power, and staying fit.

Here, we share with you some of the most creative COVID-19 themed art adorning cities all over the world. These contributions are popping up with each passing day as artists are becoming more and more involved. Some well-known murals related to COVID-19 are:

The gratitude, dedication, and support provided by healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 crisis are the most common subjects in street art. One graffiti artist in London did a commendable job highlighting the contribution of doctors during the pandemic. In the mural picturized above, the artists paid homage to junior doctors.

He specifically highlighted the contributions of resident doctors because they are constantly putting their lives at risk, work more, and are paid less in comparison to the senior physicians. However, they are still working day and night with full enthusiasm. An artwork specially dedicated to the resident staff boosts their morale and show them that their contributions are appreciated.

At a time when street artists were focusing on common pandemic related themes, Italian street artist Laika took a different step and focused on the restaurant staff. Since eateries are now opening, Laika focused on a Chinese restaurant owner, Sonia, wearing a fully covered gown along with a face mask.

Sonia’s message in Italian translates to “There’s an epidemic of ignorance going around… we must protect ourselves!”The artist tried to give a message that though the restaurants are opening, precautionary measures are still important. People working at the restaurant are equally affected by the pandemic. Thus, they are back to work but at risk and following new operating procedures.

Another great example is seen in Amsterdam, where the famous street artist FAKE painted a nurse with a Superman logo, titled Super Nurse! The nurse is shown wearing a mask, which is a typical representation of COVID-19. What is unusual is that she has the “S” logo of Superman on the front of the nurse’s uniform, reminding everyone that nurses, along with other frontline workers, are the true superheroes. 

The idea is to highlight the exceptional role played by the nursing staff in this condition of turmoil. These nurses are putting their life in danger serving the COVID-19 patients. Not just in the critical care unit, they are also doing the testing. The artwork received great recognition and appreciation globally, and it was selected as a digital art installation in London.

In Germany, another street artist, Uzey, took up his paints to encourage people to stay strong despite the hardships the pandemic has brought. The art shows a fully covered person carrying a pack of COVID-19 germs in his hand. The picture reveals that no matter how covered a person is, the virus is everywhere. Thus, maintaining social distance and practicing isolation is the only safe solution. Various colors used in the artwork are intended to bring some light to the colorless life these days. This street art gives a friendly message to humanity and tries to boost morale.

In Indonesia, a campaign related to COVID-19 murals started in August 2020. This street art in Jakarta quickly gained popularity as it depicts the message very clearly and powerfully. It highlights many things: firstly, it shows that the man is carrying a shield, which is somewhat similar to a mask, and therefore subconsciously, you are made to think that wearing a mask is the best defense against the virus.

Secondly, it brings a message of hope for the masses – it gives strength to the affected individuals for regaining their health. People who are still in a state of fear can also get some motivation from the thought-provoking art. It shows that we can fight and overcome any germ or virus, only if we have the will and if we take the right measures.

Some fans even interpreted the painting with respect to organizations that stood firm to safeguard society. Most notably, healthcare and human service organizations, but also small businesses and individuals initiated small efforts to help their communities from the financial and emotional effects of the pandemic.

For instance, many individuals started campaigns to buy from small businesses in their community to keep them from going out of business. Similarly, small businesses, like cleaning companies, started offering door-to-door and contact-less services for the safety of their clients.

Another street artist drew this painting of a nurse who is covered from head to toe in a gown, gloves, and face mask. She is portrayed as an angel of love with colorful wings. The artist showed how the nurse is ready to go for work. Such contributions for supporting the doctors, nurses, testing professionals, and the janitorial staff seems valuable in this crucial time. These people are the real heroes who are diligently performing their duties in high-risk areas.

Conclusion

In short, COVID-19 murals are brightening the streets across the globe. From humorous and playful styles to more serious and sympathetic themes, street artists have done an excellent job highlighting the issue. From highlighting the importance of healthcare workers to aiming at reviving the mood of infected individuals, each has highlighted the importance of working through the pandemic together.

Along with the artists mentioned here, tons of other artists like Pebsy, Pyritt, AFK, Jesus Cruz, and many others have made valuable contributions. They’ve expressed a collective feeling of fear, rage, and frustration developed during the lockdowns and isolations. And they have also helped us in regaining lost hope.

Thinking out of the box and taking out time in stenciling and painting the walls is a commendable step in uniting the society in this unprecedented time. Was one your favorite?

Author Bio:
Nouman provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. His educational background in the technical field and business studies helps him in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development and digital marketing. He occasionally writes articles for carpet cleaning. 

The post COVID-19 Murals: Inside the World of Pandemic-Inspired Street Art appeared first on Art Business News.

The popularity of graffiti has even resulted in some street artists being recognized by art institutions, as well as finding success showcasing their work in galleries and in more unconventional locations. Pieces by present-day street art mavens such as KAWS and Banksy have become increasingly in demand, and their success has inspired new artists to consider taking this path. It’s clear to see that graffiti and street art are here to stay and have found their place in today’s culture. Here’s a look at the rise of street art and the future of this vibrant art form.

Street Art Takes Root in NYC

The 80s were an iconic time for unconventional and subversive art in New York City, and creativity was showcased everywhere, from canvases to walls, public spaces and even human bodies. During this decade, tattoo artists Thom De Vita, Brooklyn Blackie, and Tony D’Annessa operated underground tattoo parlors in the city, even after officials banned tattooing. Customers would emerge from their shops sporting various intricate patterns on their body and it inspired other tattoo artists to open secret shops of their own.

Meanwhile, the NYC graffiti scene was also in full bloom, as artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring started using public places all over the city to showcase their works. Eventually, the art world began to take notice of their genius. Basquiat’s works were showcased at Annina Nosei’s gallery in Soho, while Haring made sure that the public could easily get their hands on his art by selling shirts and other items featuring his work. Some of haring’s art can be found today at New York’s MOMA and Whitney Museums, while Basquiat’s paintings can be viewed at the Soho Contemporary Art Gallery. And, of course, their works are frequently on display in museum collections around the world.

Street Art as Collectibles 

Today, pieces made by famous street artists have become status symbols among collectors. Banksy’s works are known to fetch millions and are highly sought after by the elite. Just remember when Banksy’s “Girl and Balloon” image made waves and in 2018 when it self-destructed after just being sold for over $1.2 million at Sotheby’s. Meanwhile, Brian Donnelly, known in the art world as KAWS, started out as a graffiti artist in NYC and now has ongoing licensing collaborations with Uniqlo, Dior Homme, and Bounty Hunter. With the latter, Donnelly launched a line of toys that are highly collectible and finding homes with celebrities such as RM and J-Hope of BTS, Pharrell Williams, and Justin Bieber among many.

In today’s art culture, urban art is a new genre developing influenced by elements and inspirations of both graffiti and street art into works more suitable for the home and other interiors. As the new genre of street art becomes more accessible to everyone, it is expected that more street artists will be making their work available for public consumption through collaborations with galleries, museums, and brands that will showcase their work. Though there might be debates about whether street and urban art will have the same impact on a $50 t-shirt as it does on a wall in NYC, it’s evident that it’s an effective way to introduce art to a younger audience as it challenges gatekeeping within the art world. Whether it’s on a brick wall in Brooklyn or displayed at the best museums in the world, street art and it’s new sick-kick urban art, will live on and will remain an important part of today’s art scene.

About the Author: Karoline Gore is a freelance writer, art enthusiast and self-confessed tattoo junkie. When she’s not writing about her favorite tattoo designs, she loves exploring the countryside in her native Maine with her dogs Ralph and Bella.  

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