All’s Fair in Art and Pandemic

Thoughts on the visual world from the trappings of home

As we round the corner of the nth week of the looming global pandemic, many of us are yearning for an activity to occupy the hours otherwise filled with snack food binges or endless hours of Netflix shows.

But these behaviors are far from intellectual. Where can people turn when lacking all other cerebral stimulus? The answer: to art, of course—as we have for millennia. 

But this motivation comes with some barriers. Where does one find art in a crisis such as this? Surely there must be an answer.

A catatonic globe need not give way to an uncultured people. This cry rings from Menlo Park gallery owner, Katharina Powers, who, according to The Mercury News, reopened Art Ventures Gallery about three weeks ago An action taken in obvious resistance of Gavin Newsom’s stringent policy on non-essential business closure. 

Powers argues that the stress-relieving effects of art viewership are desperately needed now, perhaps more than ever. In some ways, she may be right. There is a need right now for some “normalcy,” for some hope of how life was just a few months ago. 

Many others, searching for their livelihood or sanity, must be considering the same. There will be visitors, of course; those who are willing to get a haircut or drink at the bar during this time would have very few qualms about ogling a Rauschenberg or a Bearden right now. 

The will-they-won’t-they of a worldwide reopening has remained contingent on one larger question—should they? We know COVID-19 spreads through the close contact of people. We know we put our and others’ lives at risk when we step outside our homes. We know there are over 1.5 million cases in the United States alone, with at least 100,000 Americans buried and counting. 

With these facts in mind, it is completely and utterly irresponsible to fail to comply with the stay-at-home order, especially for nonessential businesses that are exercising willful ignorance of these somber truths. Contrary to Powers’ statements, art galleries are not essential. Neither are gyms, movie theaters or shopping malls. 

These businesses allow people to engage in activities with benefits ranging from the social, cultural and personal realms. However valuable the experience of nonessential business may seem, are they more valuable than 100,000 American lives? They must not be allowed to open while our country grapples with a true crisis. 

So, you stay inside. The largest problem you face there is boredom, or perhaps a routine quibble with a sibling. 

An art gallery is entirely inappropriate during a global pandemic, but there is still so much room for art. My prescription for this pandemic-induced ennui is to create. We can turn to art as we did 28,000 years ago, when humans were painting on cave walls in strikingly similar small groups to those we are in now.  

Making an artistic work of your own, no matter its perceived quality or goodness, must be more therapeutic knowing you are keeping people safe by staying home. There is originality and creativity and an all-over newness to be found in our current situation. We are hurting, yes, but in that struggle is the opportunity to learn something new and make something exciting. I believe that John Greenleaf Whittier said it better than I ever could, regarding the sanctity and necessity of beauty during uncertain times.

“If thou of fortune be bereft, and in thy store there be but left two loaves, sell one, and with the dole, buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.”

We are all searching for some semblance of our previous lives. There is, of course, validity in the longing for a museum trip or leisurely jaunt to an art gallery. However, these excursions may cost lives. Trusted health officials are clear in their guidelines on pandemic behavior. Stay home, stay safe, and order a paint-by-number from Michael’s.