Empathy Challenge

Usually when a new year starts it brings a chance to start again. It is a time stamp that many people use in a positive light. New challenges, new possibilities, and a new year ahead of us. Nobody would have thought that this year would throw the entire world into turmoil. Nations across the world are battling a common invisible enemy. In times likes this it is even more important to realize how important is to work together. There is no room to be selfish or ignorant. The results of COVID-19 are affecting everyone and during times like these we should be even more emphatic.

For my empathy challenge piece I choose to create a drawing. I am not as skilled in the other artistic medias and although I am still learning how to draw I tried my best to capture what I had on my mind on a blank sheet of paper with my pen.

My main focus point in my drawing is a figure. It is a representation of humanity that is in a turmoil and a fight against this deadly virus. I was inspired by one of my favorite artist Araki Hirohiko when it came to the pose. His art is really striking and unique. The artists himself has no link to the empathy challenge but I wanted to give credit due to my inspiration. Anyways as I mentioned the figure is supposed to represent humanity. I specifically chose the figure to look like a nurse. Nurses and essential workers are one of the key element that help us against this virus. I cannot even think how difficult it has to be for them and for their families to be in the contact with the virus so often. Especially the ones who treat the ones who have sadly got the virus. I also chose to pose the figure in a moving pose, as the entire situation is still in movement and very chaotic. It is not stale and peaceful. The flowers are supposed to cover our figures face. Face masks are another crucial thing when it comes to this pandemic. It is crazy to think that a thin weak sheet of paper, fabric or plastic can protect your life. Sadly there are many who have fallen to the virus due to the lack of equipment. The flowers are also supposed to pay respect to the lives who were lost. The character is holding a hand full of flower petals. The help of the nurses and essential workers are in their hands and they continue to push their empathy and help into the world. Behind the character there is a red circle which represents our planet Earth. The background is also dark and gloomy to further show that the world is in a dark place right now. Everything is shrouded in a cloud of fear and our future is hidden from us because of this virus. We all have to try and help to fight against this virus. Think about the essential workers, nurses and families who have been directly affected.