Hate is a Virus

Mixed Media

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Preparatory Work & Visual Experimentation

Looking at art in context, I explored how the pandemic has influenced xenophobic behaviour against individuals of Asian descent. I aimed to raise awareness and represent the issue from my perspective.

I started my practical development by experimenting with different materials and mediums, aiming to create a dispersing effect to mirror the virus. By separating the layers of painted tissue paper, I was able to see the gradual reduction of colours. I then attempted to work with watercolour and cling wrap, soap and black ink on paper to recreate the bubble-like patterns of cells.

Microscopic Studies

Developing this idea, I conducted further research into cell studies and histology, in particular, the virus in microscopic view and the cells found in lungs of infected patients. Creating studies allowed me to understand the visual elements of cells, later incorporating them in my final outcome.

Portraits

I then worked with a more direct way of representing my ideas, through drawing victims and scenes from rallies that I have seen surfaced in the media.

Final Body of Work

For my final outcomes, I produced three main bodies of work. From the series of portraits on paper, I decided to translate them onto skin by using face paint crayons and eyeliner for the details of the fist. I believe that using skin as a surface provides a raw experience and connects more strongly with the idea behind the anti-sentiment.

The series ‘I am not a Label’ links back to the scientific element of my project, aiming to display text and the spikes of the COVID-19 cells. I wanted people to reflect on the impact of words and look at these in ‘microscopic view’.

I chose to use acrylic pouring medium, acrylic ink, hot glue and alcohol to produce a volume of transparency that would allow the pigment to bleed and travel. I thought about how scientists labeled experiments, and wanted to link the idea of ‘labels’ to the names or phrases that have been used to describe the virus and individuals of Asian descent.

Lastly, the hazmat suit is a garment piece that is symbolic of the pandemic, showcasing how the act of wearing becomes an armour and an interface with the world.

The visual elements surrounding the body are of microscopic COVID-19 cells, whilst the lungs are composed of lung cells from the histopathology research of patients. Using these components reinforces the concept of dispersion and infection, whilst also perpetuating the metaphorical message behind it, as the suit acts as a surface that ‘traps’ the virus and the attitudes.

For the photography aspect, I aimed to capture how the hazmat suit would interact with the outside world where COVID-19 is present, and wanted to also create a sense of alienation to depict the idea of ‘divide’.