In many parts of the world and while COVID-19 pandemic was rapidly spreading in communities, street artists came out to paint heart-warming messages. It cannot be said that the street artists intended to vandalize because they painted beautiful works of art to send messages of gratitude to the professionals and key workers in the medical industry, for braving the threats of the deadly virus.
The sad reality is that many medical workers and professionals are among fatalities included in death toll statistics. Their courageous and relentless efforts did not go unnoticed, which a lot of street artists made sure will be remembered for years by making use of empty public spaces as canvass for their artworks.
Murals Mostly Paid Tribute to Medical and Healthcare Workers
In the UK, the still anonymous street artist who goes only by the name of Banksy paid homage to the country’s NHS workers by leaving a painting entitled “Game Changer.” outside of the Southampton Hospital. Banksy’s artwork depicts a young boy who has come to appreciate nurses as true heroes in real life; replacing his Spiderman and Batman action figures with that of a Hospital Nurse doll.
Another mystery street artist Rebel Bear, Banksy’s counterpart in Glasgow, Scotland also sent a message of love and gratitude for the tireless frontliners. Rebel Bear painted a mural of a nurse, whose hands formed a heart symbol.
In Milan, Italy, artist Lapo Fatai painted a mural that covered 90 square meters to present a nurse giving a thumbs-up signal for people who heeded stay-at-home orders. It can be recalled that Italy became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic because many believed that the virus was not as serious as Italy’s health officials had warned.
One of Amsterdam’s famous street artists known as FAKE, created an impressive mural by painting a life-like illustration of a “Super Nurse,” wearing a face mask imprinted with Superman’s “S” logo.
Messages of Hope and Unity Amidst the COVID-19 Crisis
The UK seems to have the most number of artists who ventured out of their safe shelter to paint graffiti’s of “Thank You” missives and of words that encourage unity and hope. On walls, on sidewalks and even on public roads, and using paint sprays, artists wrote:
“Please believe these days will pass”
“We can beat this together.”
“We’re all in this together”
“Be kind. Let’s look out for one another.”
“ Thank You NHS and Keyworkers”