Art During the Time of Corona

Corona Virus Venus

Difficult times fortunately or unfortunately are wonderful fodder for artists. I have a few paintings inspired by this Pandemic of 2020. "Green Quarantine" is in the archive- a peaceful take on shelter in place. Of course I am sheltering in my studio as well, falling into the meditation of painting. Here is Corona Virus Venus, painted April, 2020. Based obviously on Manet's' Olympia, which is in turn base on Titians Venus of Urbino. She shelters in place as well, hand sanitizer at the ready. Instead of a black servant like in Manets' painting, here a TJs worker holds the Venus's laptop. The worker doesn't GET to stay at home lounging, and has on no mask (not by choice). Olympia zooms with other spoofs of Manet and Titian's paintings. The 'speaker' view is the Venus of Urbino. What are they discussing? Art history? Difficult times and better times? Titian's Venus had a little dog (symbol of fidelity) at the foot of her bed. Manet then painted a little 'pussy' cat. I painted a squirrel. The times are squirrely and personally a squirrel adopted us during quarantine and was, in fact, running about the house...