FOREWORD

It was proposed to bring in differing visual expressions in a wide range of art forms ,  on  subject and content related to  ideas and imagery originating in the COVID 19/ Carona times.

The topics suggested are around  stories related to  – COVID warriors, Domestic violence, Migration stories, Anxiety and upheaval in lockdown, Hope and aspiration, Environmental issues, Role of  Technology and one world in these challenging times  .

30 artists comprising Contemporary artists, Photographers, Student and Child artists, Illustrators, Architects , Designers, Folk artists, Caricatures, an  Ikebana  arrangement and a poem- make an extensive expression of 80 artworks for  ‘COVID EXPRESSIONS ‘  .These reflect  life in lockdown with its new adaptations in  daily living, the change in visuals on the streets. Social, Economic, Environmental shifts as well as the Psychological , Spiritual, Philosophical reflections, contemplations, and  meditations – of this unexpected upheaval in human kind s existence all over the globe.        

The art works range from paintings in expressive abstraction ,figurative realistic forms , installations,  photographic imagery    , illustrated graphics ,  caricatures , folk art renditions ,  a graphic  poem and a floral arrangement . The subject and content are expressive of incidents, symbolic – metaphoric forms , glimpses of anxieties and hope , on the path of an unknown and uncertain future   .

The current  COVID 19  times are indeed extraordinary,  it is showing the mirror in the face of humanity. In the COVID playground equality , oneness and global togetherness is played in satire .  Baring to bone existential realities of mankind , ripping open the shimmering veil of modern progress it is bringing home the basic pointers –  human fragility, ego and greed . As anxiety, fear and sadness grips the world  in the ever-spreading conquer of the  tiny speck Carona virus over the world , the  earth slowly starts  playing  softer music of healing and rejuvenation, giving hope  to  see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Dr .Avani Rao Gandra

Curator