From the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, I have been interested in the similarities and differences in social responses between this event and the 1918 flu pandemic. This piece was made by embroidering newspaper headlines and advertisements from 1918 onto modern N95 masks. The images chosen reflect our shared experiences between the two pandemics: initial reports of fatalities from a "mysterious" illness, social responses such as hand washing, homemade mask making, and finding ways to stay in touch with friends and family while in quarantine. The final image shows public spaces starting to re-open, ending the narrative on a hopeful note.
Each mask was hand embroidered, taking several hours. The masks are mounted using a pH neutral adhesive on acid-free mounting board and custom framed. The framed piece measures 25"x18" (63.5cm x 45cm).
Photo of the piece on display at St. Vincent Gallery taken by Liz Palmer.
From the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, I have been interested in the similarities and differences in social responses between this event and the 1918 flu pandemic. This piece was made by embroidering newspaper headlines and advertisements from 1918 onto modern N95 masks. The images chosen reflect our shared experiences between the two pandemics: initial reports of fatalities from a "mysterious" illness, social responses such as hand washing, homemade mask making, and finding ways to stay in touch with friends and family while in quarantine. The final image shows public spaces starting to re-open, ending the narrative on a hopeful note.
Each mask was hand embroidered, taking several hours. The masks are mounted using a pH neutral adhesive on acid-free mounting board and custom framed. The framed piece measures 25"x18" (63.5cm x 45cm).
Photo of the piece on display at St. Vincent Gallery taken by Liz Palmer.
