COVID Nationalism

Research Background COVID Nationalism is positioned within a Fine Art discourse focusing on reproductive technologies and the multiple to research how appropriated news image and mirror can assist the re-distribution of information and images to the public domain. Referencing historic associations of process and matrix, this artwork examines how image and text determine how we read the news to engender fear, optimism, confidence or doubt. Research Contribution This print based sculptural artwork conceptually intersects through the prisms of human rights and social justice issues and aligns technically through innovative use of printmaking processes and materials. Using flocked glitter on paper and mirrored acrylic strips this artwork presents questions on ongoing border closures with vaccine hoarding and trading in Australia and around the world. Research Significance COVID Nationalism was exhibited at Counihan Gallery in Brunswick within a group exhibition titled NEWSROOM, with nationally recognised fellow artists, Alison Alder and Marian Crawford. The public program of the gallery presented a floor talk on the artwork. This public presentation was featured as a Q&A post ‘In Exhibitions’ with Andrew Stephens the Editor of IMPRINT Magazine on the Print Council of Australia’s blog on 13 July 2021.