Description
Inspired by the impact and influence that the COVID-19 virus has had on the world. As a South
African, I painted from a South African’s perspective trying to uphold the effects of the virus. China,
the world’s manufacturing superpower, now at the neck of the world, strangling it as the origins of a
virus that shutdown most parts of the world, killing hundreds of thousands, destroying years of
economic progress and downgrading many to a lower social class in a matter of days. Decorated as
the rock art, a mask of a warrior, having to dig down to our roots to find ways of survival, just as our
ancestors. With businesses shutdown and travel restricted, we see a decline in convenience and fast
pace lifestyles and a rise in DIY lifestyle, for instance the restricted selling of alcohol resulted in
homemade beers and wine, increasing the usage of yeast which was a key ingredient in ancient
times. We see many masks today, with beautiful designs that inspire unity, love, victory, branding and
the like, which is also a form of communication. South Africa’s diverse cultures and backgrounds
banding together at the head of the president’s table to discuss and develop strategies that will steer
the nation through the crisis. Surrounded by the striking red virus expressed in impasto. Africa,
Mother Nature with her piercing eyes and stare, evokes the essential questions of one’s life, making
us implore: Who am I? A Question of Identity;
Where do I come from? A question of Origin;
What Can I do? A Question of Potential;
Why am I here? A Question of Purpose;
and Where Am I going? A Question of Destiny
