Thanks to Visual Arts, Design, Theatre & Dance Librarian Mary Kandiuk for curating this selection of pandemic inspired art. If you have created work during this time of self-isolation that you would like to share please let us know! Or perhaps you would like to read this short article on the theme of Black Death in Medieval Art in the Grove Encyclopedia of Art.
Pandemics, plagues and pestilence have been themes in the work of artists over many centuries. Some notable examples include:
Arnold Böcklin / Public domain
How have contemporary Canadian artists responded to COVID-19? Many have turned their attention to creating murals and street art in their home cities to provide hope and solace to residents.
Pandemic-inspired street art in Canada and around the world (CBC News)
Toronto street artists paint murals to spread a visual message (CityNews Toronto)
Vancouver’s street artist Smokey D creates public murals to share public health information about COVID-19 on the Downtown East Side:
The mural and the message: How a community advocate and a graffiti artist are spreading facts on the DTES (CBC News)
The Capture Photography Festival is sharing Adad Hannah’s virtual exhibition:
Adad Hannah: Social Distancing Portraits
Calgary artist Debbie.lee Miszaniec is working on a series of sketches called "Covid-19 Chronicles":
Calgary artist conveys COVID-19 fears, hope for the future with beautiful sketches (Calgary Herald)
Meanwhile galleries and museums across Canada have opened up their doors virtually, providing art lovers a chance to experience their collections remotely.
Bored during self-isolation? Tour these museums from the comfort of your couch (CTV News)
For a complete list see the Canadian Museums Association website.
Toronto’s virtual Myseum is exploring art in the time of COVID-19 through panel discussions:
Art in the Time of COVID-19
Check out the Art, Architecture and Design guide for lists of image databases available through York University Libraries' subscription to York students, staff, and faculty, as well as other freely available image collections and image search engines on the Web.
Pandemics and epidemics (blog post May 6, 2020)
Image groups in Artstor:
And of course, let’s not forget the “Dr. Henry” Limited Edition Fluevog shoe, inspired by and released in honour of BC’s chief provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, in support of the fight against COVID-19. As she has reminded us often, “be kind, be calm and be safe.”
John Fluevog Shoes to Release Limited Edition ‘Dr. Henry’ Shoe in Support of the Fight Against COVID-19 (fluevog.com)