Art as a Means of Expression:

The pandemic restricted physical interactions and confined millions to their homes. In these isolated environments, art became a means of self-expression. People turned to painting, drawing, photography, and digital media to convey their emotions, fears, and hopes. The act of creation itself became a form of catharsis, allowing individuals to release pent-up anxieties and connect with their inner selves.

A Source of Comfort and Solace:

Art, whether it’s a soothing piece of music, a captivating novel, or a mesmerizing painting, provided comfort and solace during dark times. It acted as a refuge from the relentless news cycle and a way to find beauty amid chaos. People turned to their favorite artworks for moments of respite, allowing them to recharge and regain a sense of normalcy.

Community and Connection:

Despite physical distancing, art fostered a sense of community and connection. Virtual art exhibitions, online classes, and social media platforms became spaces for artists and art enthusiasts to come together. Sharing creative endeavors, stories, and experiences helped people feel less alone, forging new connections and reinforcing existing ones.

Art as a Form of Advocacy:

Art has long been a powerful tool for social and political commentary. During the pandemic, artists used their work to raise awareness about critical issues, from healthcare disparities to the mental health challenges brought on by isolation. Art acted as a voice for those who couldn’t speak, advocating for change and justice.

Inspiration and Resilience:

Art also inspired resilience. Many artists channeled their own experiences during the pandemic into their work, creating pieces that reflected the human spirit’s capacity to endure. Their creations served as a testament to the strength and adaptability of individuals and communities worldwide.

A Glimpse of the Future:

As the world emerges from the pandemic, art offers a glimpse of the future. It embodies the resilience, hope, and transformation that are possible even in the face of adversity. Artistic expressions born during the pandemic will continue to serve as reminders of this era’s challenges and triumphs.

Conclusion:

In the pandemic era, art transcended mere aesthetics; it became a lifeline. It provided an outlet for expression, a source of comfort, a means of connection, and a powerful advocate for change. As we move forward, let us remember the profound impact that art had on individuals and society during these trying times. Its ability to heal, inspire, and unite serves as a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and resilience.

The post The Healing Power of Art in the Pandemic Era first appeared on Indian Art News.

Although the world is currently battling the COVID- 19 crisis, we as a society have dealt with a host of other contagions in the past as well. You can learn more about this through Science Gallery Bengaluru’s new exhibition. The not-for-profit public institution for researchbased engagement is conducting a 45-day virtual exhibition tracing the reason behind transmission through not just a virus, but human emotions, art, dance, social behaviour, disinformation and more. This virtual exhibition, called Contagion, has been curated by Danielle Olsen, international cultural producer at the Wellcome Trust, and Jahnavi Phalkey, founding director, Science Gallery Bengaluru.

It has been in the making for the past one year. “Contagion presents a multiplicity of voices to better understand our collective experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. We open doors to research, to creative responses, and handson activities that will help us all formulate relevant questions as we make our way through this demanding moment,” says Phalkey. According to Madhushree Kamak, programme coordinator for Contagion, the event also aims to engage young adults in research in humanity, technology, art and other disciplines.

“This our fourth such exhibition. It has 16 interactive exhibits that deal with topics like viruses, vaccines, contagious laughter and much more. We also have a public lecture series including talks and tutorials, starting this week, moderated by senior experts from health backgrounds,” says Kamak. The interactive virtual exhibition will kick off with an open lecture and tutorial by Sheila Jasanoff, a science professor at Harvard Kennedy school speaking about ‘Control, Consensus, Chaos: The Global Response to the Pandemic’, including a case study of India.

Later in May, artist Ranjit Kandalgaonkar will exhibit his works related to drawing the Bombay plague, Christos Lynteris, a senior lecturer in anthropology, will be exhibiting his works on ‘Controlling the Plague in British India’. Besides dealing with pandemic and disease control related subjects, the programme will also host Ananya Kabir, a literary and cultural historian, who will conduct a tutorial class on Contagion and Electricity: Two Ways of Talking About Connection in Dance.

The class is based on how social dance can become viral and aims to understand the way we must dance during the pandemic. The science event, beginning on April 30, will have 40 trained moderators from Bengaluru who will help walk the visitors through different exhibitions and help them understand the behind the scene moments of the artist. Contagion will take place from April 30 to June 13. For more details, visit the Bengaluru Science Gallery website.

By Sanath Prasad

Express News Service

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2021/apr/28/spotlight-on-science-2295569.html

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The post Contagion, a virtual multidisciplinary event of Viruses, Human Emotions, Art, Dance and more first appeared on Indian Art News.