PANDEMIC STREET ART
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when galleries and museums were shuttered around the world, street artists from Los Angeles to Bangkok sprang into action. The lockdowns appeared to have engendered a sort of golden age in graffiti production. Many street artists, both prominent and unsung, crafted brilliant expressions of solidarity, love, humor, and hope. Others took the opportunity to convey bold political messages. Although some of these talented individuals have (rightfully so) gained notoriety for their generous efforts, in many cases these works were intended simply for the viewing pleasure of the public, generating no revenue for their creators.
Lionel Stanhope in London, England
The video below documents street artist Lionel Stanehope’s process as he creates iconic and uplifting public murals.
Mue Bon in Bangkok, Thailand
37-year-old Thai artist Mue Bon created this piece in order to remind us that people must help each other to hold back the coronavirus crisis.
Hijack Art in Los Angeles, USA
The fear and call to action of this pandemic has really captured the imagination of many in and outside my city
Hijack Art, as told to The Guardian
Banksy in Southampton, UK
The world-famous, anonymous street artist Banksy donated the painting below to Southampton General Hospital. Its value is estimated to be in excess of $6 million. The hospital plans to auction the piece off to raise money for the NHS.
Anonymous in Chennai, India
A man selling coconuts rides his trishaw across road graffiti depicting the coronavirus during a 21-day nationwide lockdown in Chennai, India on April 13, 2020.
Anonymous in Berlin, Germany
A man passes by a graffiti on a wall showing the fictional Tolkien character Gollum muttering “my precious” in regards to a roll of toilet paper. At Mauerpark in Berlin, Germany on March 19, 2020.
Pøbel in Bryne, Norway
Romance lives on in this pandemic street art by Norwegian painter Pøbel.