LOV can conquer a virus, was a theme given to artists who participated in the 8th Beijing International Art Biennale (BIAB) in China in 2019, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. China saw the need to use art to help create a sense of hope in a time of crisis. Guyanese renowned artist Carl Anderson represented Guyana in that exhibition and was asked to create an art piece based on the theme.

As an artist and visionary, from the onset of COVID-19 Carl started to conceptualise a painting that he thought would capture the true sense of the virus. The 10″x14″ acrylic painting is entitled “the Corona dance.” Carl used a hyperrealism approach to this painting. Hyperrealism is realism in art, characterised by the depiction of real-life, unusually or strikingly.

In the centre, he created a sphere that has spikes and flares emanating from it. Dancing figures surround the sphere and are painted in varying tones of black and white. Carl uses blue to represent the ocean, noting that, like the ocean, our bodies are made up of 80% of water. He further explains that the virus goes into the body and the cells move as the body moves. The curved lines help to create that visual movement. The acrylic is worked in a translucent manner (allowing light, but not detailed shapes, to pass through; semi-transparent), depicting a watery flow. This technique helps to emphasise the invisible character of the virus. We cannot see it, but we know it is there.

There is a message of unity and diversity in this piece. Unity is demonstrated by the people who are holding hands around the sphere. Diversity is seen in the different skin tones and the varied hair textures. The variation of dancing figures also highlights different cultures. Carl gives a subtle message: that COVID-19 is no respecter of person. So, regardless of race or status, we are not immune. Our immune system is being attacked. However, together we can stop the spread of COVID-19. Love can conquer a virus; a simple yet profound statement.

The painting, the Corona dance, in my opinion also demonstrates how easily the virus can spread if we choose to congregate rather than practise social distancing. I see the figures happily dancing in a circle, but I also notice that one person is on her knees. This appears to be sudden. As I observe the painting, the figures are flowing in one direction with much ease. Her collapse is so unexpected that it doesn’t seem to interrupt the flow of the dance. She is held by both hands…but the dancing continues… I see a pull to the left as the person on the right approaches. It appears as if he is about to trip because of her position below. I’m struck with the realisation that transmission can occur so unexpectedly.

It trips you up. Certainly, this dance did not start in this manner. She must have been standing like everyone else, a seemingly healthy person, but unknowingly, she had COVID-19. Without displaying any symptoms, she has infected others. She is an asymptomatic person. Perhaps she displayed symptoms but may have attributed it to something else. Like many, she was probably treating a seemingly harmless illness, one that didn’t seem to require medical help or treatment, until now.

It is quite scary to think about. The fact remains that more persons are becoming infected by the COVID-19 virus and are dying. The sooner we realise the seriousness of the situation, the sooner we can work towards a solution and move on with our lives.
The Corona dance is an exceptional painting with two great messages. I implore you to do your part to flatten the curve.