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Tom Croft painted a portrait of A&E nurse Harriet Durkin for free after posting on social media (Credit: Tom Croft)

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Art became a public health tool during the pandemic. Art helps in communicating ideas quickly through memorable visuals. As such it became one of the major ways the government used in communicating their intentions and the proper ways to protect ourselves during the pandemic. When artists created public arts featuring masks to reflect our current experiences, they send a powerful message to the public. Art also guides and signals how people should interact and behave within a space. Visual cues help us understand how we fit into space and make statements about what a community value. Now that wearing masks are getting common, a range of creative masks are allowing us to express ourselves and encourage us to wear masks in the first place. Mask designs, whether fun or functional, may increase usage and promote public health.

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Art is good for our health. Art is proven tool for stress reduction and well-being. There are countless studies into the physical and mental benefits of making and even looking at art. It has long term benefits like boosting our brain function and immune systems as well as contributing positively to our mental and emotional health. art helps us process trauma, express difficult feelings, and work through experiences. Art has promoted health within our homes during the pandemic as families have been getting creative at home. As we are spending time with ourselves, art and craft-making have skyrocketed.

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Museums and galleries were among the first places to shutter when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Art lovers moved online, as did carefully curated collections. In the art industry, acute necessity has greatly accelerated access. Organizations and creatives had to turn to the internet to give access to exhibits, events, fundraisers, and education as a result of the global lockdown. They discovered a silver lining within this pivot. COVID compelled the art world to break free from old structures (which were not always inclusive), adapt to a digital-first community, and reach out to new audiences. Art events have become more accessible thanks to online video conferencing techniques, according to Shanna Hennig of Winston Art Group. We can now watch artist talks, gallery tours, and art fairs from the comfort of our own homes. We won't have to worry about the cost of airfare or a hotel room to attend a conference. Even after it is safe to resume in-person activities, the art community will almost certainly continue to use internet platforms to reach greater audiences and provide easy methods to engage with art.

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One of the digital artworks of Nina Camacho (@hey.artkid)

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ART IN A PANDEMIC: Nina Camacho (Mass Communication Student)

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ART IN A PANDEMIC: Nina Camacho (Mass Communication Student)

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I actually started creating digital art and interacting with the art community during the pandemic, so in terms of how art's production and reception has changed from pre-pandemic to pandemic period, I can't really say much about it. However, one prominent thing I've noticed since my exposure to digital art and the online art community during the pandemic is the recurring themes of mental health, women empowerment, and activism embedded within the many artworks I see (and of course, 'di rin mawawala 'yung mga fanart hahah).

I think that especially during these difficult times, a lot of artists (at least the ones I follow or have seen online) have begun to create more art that uplifts one another and values each other's well-being. Like many others, my mental health went through a lot especially during the first months of the pandemic, so when I saw people resharing these kinds of artworks with hopeful and comforting messages, it honestly helped me feel less alone.

During the 2020 Olympics, I saw a lot of empowering fanart featuring Hidilyn Diaz, Margielyn Didal, and Nesthy Petecio all over social media. Aside from this, I've also seen so many protest artworks emerge during the pandemic due to the government's poor Covid-19 response. While scrolling on social media, I would see a lot of people resharing these kinds of artworks on mental health and various movements, and it would make me think about the role of art and the huge impact it can have to many others. There's just something so comforting, freeing, and empowering when art can bring people together and even inspire action.

Overall, I think that artistic expression — both in its production and reception— is heavily influenced by the current contexts we are in. Living in unprecedented times, I think there's no doubt that art is constantly evolving and shaping the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us.

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One of the artworks of Lian Robert Marquez

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ART IN A PANDEMIC: Lian Robert Marquez (Fine arts)

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ART IN A PANDEMIC: Lian Robert Marquez (Fine arts)

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Art at the moment for me has been given quality of life and time due to the pandemic although collaboration and learning is hard we are able to experiment and try other ways to produce and bring out forms that if given maybe the regular time we could not the situation of the pandemic both a gift and a curse really back then all you could do was rush then now there was time just so much time again opening to more and more areas of possibilities waiting to be brought out but as they say waiting gradually melts the soul it is the tax in moving forward in these difficult time or even back then when things were to a regular also in terms of receiving people these days see art as sweet delight for eyes and such because with limited ways to enjoy ourselves senses for sight if not touch or taste could take us in nicely then present to us a tease or something satiate our need to see what is ne what is happening and art itself in the pandemic for me brings out that answer no matter what form or content with everything given right now it is enough for everyone.

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Bongabong with her pandemic artwork "Makabagong Bayani"

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ARTISTS AND THE PANDEMIC: Mycah Bongabong (Industrial Design Student)

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ARTISTS AND THE PANDEMIC: Mycah Bongabong (Industrial Design Student)

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As artists, we need to think outside the box to keep our bond and make it work. Even during a pandemic that prevents us from sharing art and culture in an open space, art helps people, like me, cope in difficult times. I unleashed my imagination and beamed with satisfaction when I gave my artwork to my loved ones. In a time when we cannot see friends and family as much as we used to, I believe that through our arts and craftworks, we could show them just how much they meant to us in our unique ways. While I draw portraits or paint some landscapes, it can help me nurture my inner artist and help me find some peace. It can give us a much-needed mental break from recent circumstances and allow us to be more conscious. Thus, art can relieve stress and help me process the heaviness I am dealing with during these times.

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Bugayong with her mini music studio at home

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ARTISTS AND THE PANDEMIC: Erra Mae D. Bugayong (Singer-Songwriter)

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ARTISTS AND THE PANDEMIC: Erra Mae D. Bugayong (Singer-Songwriter)

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I'm a novice singer and writer, and I'm an avid fan of visual arts. The first phases of the pandemic were not easy, as daily routines were ruined and the future was suddenly bleak. I didn't have time for arts as a STEM student. But when the pandemic happened, despite all worse things, the freedom felt good for my artistic life. So many emotions gathered in one place, my room, and I could use them all in writing like added weapons in my arsenal. And maybe this is my privilege speaking, but I found a temporary light of happiness in the middle of the thick mush of anxiety, frustration, and fear.

I also ruminated about my shortcomings as a writer and a singer. One of the most difficult things in life is consistency, and the lack of structure in the everyday life would challenge your resolve. Will this provide essential sustenance to me in the future, if I were to focus and pursue it as a life career? It is especially daunting to pursue artistic endeavors in our country. And so while I still have an excuse to pursue it, I should continue what I'm doing for the past year.

I decided to be certain of one thing though, and that is if I were to choose to be stuck with one thing my whole life, I would rather choose to waste my time creating. The pandemic will make you think about the longevity of things – supplies, future plans, your own life. As an optimist, I often hoped that good things would last. But it quickly hit me that everything is a ticking time bomb, and I must choose wisely according to what I deem is important. At this moment, I'm only glad that I was given the chance to eloquently narrate my love for creation. The pandemic made a unique change in my life, and I appreciate the time it gave me as an aspiring artist.

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Patosa with his pandemic artwork "Blackpink Rosé DDDD Portrait" 

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ARTISTS AND THE PANDEMIC: Michael Angelo Patosa (Landscape Architecture Student) 

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ARTISTS AND THE PANDEMIC: Michael Angelo Patosa (Landscape Architecture Student) 

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The pandemic halted all of our academic activities and we are forced to stay at home. Before this, I mostly do doodles during class or try new mediums whenever I have free time and to be honest, that wasn't enough since I really want to focus on my art and I don't have that much time to do so. Although generally the pandemic is bad, it gave me an opportunity to focus on my art. I have studied a bit of anatomy, color theory, different methods of transferring a photo to paper, and especially visualization. And since I don't have anything to spend my money on, I also had the opportunity to invest on art materials and try mediums that I don't have access on before.

Specifically, I focused on colored pencils and  the time I've had during quarantine really helped me to hone my skills in that medium. I also had the opportunity to take in some art commissions and share my art. In a way, arts acted as my coping mechanism and it directed my attention to something other than the pandemic.

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Quoc during his talk at the TEDxYouth@Hanoi

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ARTISTS AND THE PANDEMIC:                            Anh Ho Quoc  (Vietnamese Artist) 

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ARTISTS AND THE PANDEMIC:                            Anh Ho Quoc  (Vietnamese Artist) 

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“Are you walking the dog or is the dog walking you?” (Quoc 15:27)

Quoc is simply trying to imply in his speech that artists should keep on thriving whatever life may bring because at the end of the day they are the artist of their own life. They will dictate how they will fill up their own canvas, how they will proceed with their lyrics, and how they will execute their choreography. They need to recognize the power their gift possesses, how their works can enkindle inspiration amongst their audiences and how it can open new conversations imperative in addressing social issues concerning the pandemic. With that in mind, they can prove how potent and flexible art sector can be in addressing any pressing issue.

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Dayrit, Jely Joyce
Researcher // Content Creator
UP- DILIMAN
III- B SPORTS SCIENCE

Dela Torre, Japheth
Researcher // Content Creator
UP- DILIMAN
II-  BS MATHEMATICS

Go, Vince
Researcher // Content Creator
UP- DILIMAN
BS METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING

------------------------------------------

Bongabong, Mycah
Artist Interviewee
UP- DILIMAN
II- INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Bugayong, Erra Mae
Artist Interviewee
PUP- PARAÑAQUE BRANCH
II- BS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Camacho, Nina
Artist Interviewee
UP- DILIMAN
IV- BS MASS COMMUNICATION

Marquez, Lian Robert
Artist Interviewee
UST
III - B Fine Arts

Patosa, Michael Angelo
Artist Interviewee
UP- DILIMAN
I- B LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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Quoc, Anh Ho. “Art, Pandemic and Everything In Between |   Anh Ho Quoc | TEDxYouth@Hanoi.” YouTube, uploaded by TEDx Talks, 5 Dec. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6lucssLkQQ.

Tellis, Shannon. “3 Ways the Pandemic Has Changed the Art World for the Better.” The Economic Times, 6 Mar. 2021, economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/3-ways-the-pandemic-has-changed-the-art-world-for-the-better/articleshow/81364374.cms?from=mdr.