coronavirus

Picasso's Guernica painting in black and white with animals and people crying out in agony
Great Works of Art from Troubled Times
Throughout history, cultures and artists have faced upheavals and catastrophes and reflected them through their work. Here we look at ten great works of art created in uncertain times.
painting of a wan man in dark seated against a wall
Nothing As Before: How Epidemics have Changed Art
With a new initiative, Statens Museum for Kunst invites you on a tour through the museum's collection and tells the story of how epidemics over time have affected and changed both the world and art.
Catherine “Cat” Carnes, a registered nurse, stands on the street wearing a mask and scrubs
Hope Wanted: Photos Document New York City Under Quarantine
The New-York Historical Society presents Hope Wanted: New York City Under Quarantine, a special free outdoor exhibition documenting the experiences of New Yorkers across the five boroughs during the…
interior of a museum with large buddha and other displays, people milling about
Survey: One-Third of American Museums May Close
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) released the findings of a new survey this week that has grim implications for America’s museums.
the silhouette of a child standing in a bay window
Contemporary Artists Reflect on the Global Lockdown
Beyond restricting social interactions and physical mobility, global stay-at-home orders impacted the work of contemporary artists around the world in a number of ways.
man in black plague bird mask
7 Artistic Takes on Protective Facemasks 
In addition to protest art seen around the world, creative facemasks seen on social media and at protests are bringing inspired art to troubled times.
Edgar Degas painting of ballerinas
Beating the Quarantine Blues with Color
If the quarantine blues are still getting you down, access to art is a surefire cure. These four exhibitions you can explore from home bring an infusion of color that is sure to brighten your outlook.
The main reading room at the Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building.
Graduate Students Cope with Halted Research During Pandemic
On-site research was put on hold abruptly in March around the world. Many students conducting their work while on fellowship-funded research years had to return home, their research paused awkwardly…
Ferdinand Hodler painitng of a woman in bed in white linens
How Art Reflects the Changing History of Medicine

In April, art institutions began honoring the medical profession by showcasing works from their collections under the hashtag #MuseumsThankHealthHeroes. As we cheer the heroic efforts of…

rhianna at the met gala in elaborate gown on left, on right a fan wears a gown recreated from newspaper
The Met Gala Challenge Brings High Fashion Home
The postponing of the Met Gala, the annual red carpet extravaganza, earlier this month left stylists, celebrities, and their fans disappointed.
banksy drawing of a child playing with a nurse doll
Banksy Thanks Frontline Workers with Tribute
To describe the global effects of COIVD-19 as “game-changing” would be putting it lightly. But that’s how famed street artist Banksy is shedding light on one of the more subtle cultural shifts…
covid-19 propaganda-inspired poster, image of 3 healthcare workers in PPE, with text "for you! for them! for us! victory begins at home"
WWII Propaganda Inspires COVID Hygiene Posters
Many artists have taken inspiration from this war with contagion and decided to contribute to the hygiene awareness campaigns in their countries and beyond.
three crocheted teddy bears in scrubs and face masks
Etsy Makers Cater to COVID-19
In the wake of our global pandemic crisis, Etsy has exploded with coronavirus-related goods: there are nearly 25,000 items under the tag “social distancing.” Whether your needs are more practical or…
Banksy rats run amok in a bathroom
Banksy Shares his Version of Working from Home
Banksy shared a new work of art yesterday, showing us what he has been up to while quarantined.
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama Writes a Hopeful Poem for the World

In the face of uncertain times, one of the world's most famous living artists, Yayoi Kusama, has offered a poem…