16/19
Artistic reflection of COVID-19 responses and responsibilities
Just as COVID-19 continues to impact us all, we are also empowered to respond constructively and protect ourselves, our families and our children with all available means - this is the key message of UNICEF’s ‘16/19’ art exhibition at Tashkent City’s Ilkhom Theatre.
The exhibition’s artworks were inspired by social research which identified 16 COVID-19 ‘personality types’, including ‘deniers’, ‘hoarders’, ‘innovators’, ‘altruists’ and everyone in-between. These creations encourage reflection on our individual and collective responses and responsibilities.
“My work reflects the sensation of finding it difficult to breathe – a visualization of what is going on inside bodies and lungs. I want people to experience these feelings in a safe manner. Art is a means of conveying certain values and ideas – in this case, the value of life and health.”
“When people were locked in their homes, it seemed almost like a painting. When looking at this artwork as a whole all the masks seem to be close together, but when you come closer you can see the distances between them. Here everyone can find meaning for themselves.”
“I’ve presented two artworks with images of maps, because the pandemic touched all of humanity, and humanity needs to unite to solve the problem of the pandemic. This exhibition shows how we need to value life and protect it.”
The displayed paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and films have all deeply resonated with viewers.
“These pieces of art are very visible, very expressive, very clear to me because I also felt these emotions at the peak of the pandemic. It’s very accessible art,”
“I think creativity is the best way of conveying messages. I hope unvaccinated people here will decide to get vaccinated, and that vaccinated people will feel sure that they made the right choice,”
“exhibiting this diversity of views and opinions about the pandemic, we will begin to make people explore and interrogate the plethora of behaviours and attitudes towards vaccination, and their adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures.”
The ‘16/19’ exhibition will be open at the Ilkhom Theatre up to 25 April 2022, hosted by UNICEF and the Service of Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
