Corona Virus Wearable art response project
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Dates2020 - Ongoing
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Author
- Topics Portrait, Social Issues, Documentary
Participants were asked to respond in clothing or costume their feelings about quarantine and Covid-19
Tina Gutierrez -Artist Statement - Corona Virus Response Project 6-9-2020
For many, Covid-19 led to isolation and loneliness. For me this work is about embracing rather than resisting sadness, loss, and discomfort using the creative process. Masks and wearable art allow these emotions to be expressed in a non-verbal yet extremely powerful visual language.
I employ numerous approaches to achieve a sense of authenticity, using natural body alignment and integrating that with emotional characteristics of the feelings that the sitters express about their costume. Meaning is created from both mundane and colorful fabrics that weave together both a sense of distress and the possibility of rebirth. At first, because of the quarantine, people were only using things that they found in their home. Later, we see some articles acquired outside the home.
Masks and costume are one of the deepest and most ancient forms of communication. Art through costume allows ourselves to be heard and expressed in unique ways that verbal language cannot duplicate. The practice of wearing a mask allows the wearer to acquire a new identity. In most cases, for this series, it became one of empowerment. Masks were designed to protect the wearer either functionally or symbolically, yet become a vibrant artistic statement. As face coverings become transformational through creative expressions about the current situation, the viewer is left with a deeper insight into their own feelings. Many participants felt that the creation of their art was healing. My hope is that the viewers of the project will feel a connection to the people in the portraits.
This series could only be made in this time of quarantine. It freezes the moment, and reflects the quarantine from March 2020 until January of 2021 there is to date 97 portraits. Art can not only create healing for ourselves, but can show empowerment and lead to change in the world.
