Artists play crucial role during the pandemic

Doha: The role artists play in society has never been more crucial in the time of COVID-19, says an artist.

“Artists must be active in conveying their feelings, raising awareness and inspiring people on what is happening in the world today,” Filipina artist Danica Hernandez told The Peninsula yesterday.

“Visual art is not just about images; it conveys messages and emotions and it’s the artists’ role to express these through their works. Art is a nonverbal form of communication which have the power to affect people,” said Hernandez.

The artist is speaking on the sidelines of the awarding of art competition winners and opening of “The Crescent Draws Hope during the COVID-19 Crisis” exhibition at Katara Cultural Village Building 18. The exhibition was presented by Visual Art Center (VAC) and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) to showcase the winning artworks of the competition they organised over a month ago where Hernandez emerged first place.

“I was overwhelmed when it was announced that I was the winner though some of the artists who participated in the competition told me beforehand the big possibility that I could win the contest,” she said.

The organisers chose the top five winners among the dozens of submissions, some of which were on show at the exhibition. It took Hernandez only two days and nights to complete the painting as she had to beat the extended deadline which she read on the news, but what resulted was an excellent and very much inspired work of art.

In creating the painting, the artist said she focused on the theme, specifically on the concept that QRCS is giving hope amid the pandemic as it plays a significant role during this time by extending help to different countries. Having engaged in volunteering work when she was in the Philippines and was a student, Hernandez was impressed of the work of QRCS.

“Qatar Red Crescent helps a lot of people specially during this time. They provide assistance in a big way, not only in Qatar but around the world. We know that Qatar is a very helpful country providing support to many countries,” she said.

Her winning piece depicts the Red Crescent in the form of hands that cradle and care for the world with the coronavirus in the background as volunteers work hard to extend much needed help.

Hernandez started her artistic journey at a tender age of nine, and was able to hone her skills in painting at 15. While having a day job at 21, she started accepting art commissions on the side, which she enjoyed in addition to participating in art contests.

Currently working in an art gallery, the self-taught artist has been attending workshops to further bolster her artistic skills.

“I’ve attended workshops such as the one in Souq Waqif Art Centre in 2015. Art classes help in polishing an artist’s technique as well as in expanding one’s ideas,” she added.