SARA BOWEN, Covid-19 Nurse, 2020, 7-layer reduction lino cut
Dimensions: 21 cm x 26 cm
Something that has struck me as the world has unravelled over the last two years is the distance and separation between people that we have never seen before, with its background in fear and unknowing. This creates a paradox for healthcare workers as they can no longer ‘break down barriers’ between medical staff and patients, but instead follow strict procedures to gown up, protecting themselves from the illness they treat. The image captures the unknowing as a young woman puts on her mask and gown before going into theatre. The reduction technique in which layers are progressively removed and reprinted echoes the layers of protective clothing that is put on and stripped off in an effort to contain the COVID-19 virus.
// Australia //
Image courtesy of the artist