BIBA Student’s COVID-19 Painting Makes the Stage at US College

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On Feb 23, Bard College in New York presented Concert for Wuhan, a fundraiser for China’s hardest-hit city. The backdrop for the event was a painting from a series of works entitled “Mask”, by Helen X., a grade 10 student at Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA).

Bard College’s Concert for Wuhan

Like many students, Helen X. has been stuck at home due to the epidemic outbreak, yet for someone who has always been fond of creation, it’s given her a chance to not only focus on her craft but also make sense of an otherwise senseless situation the only way she knows how, through artistic expression.

Helen X.

As a result, she created “Mask”, a series of paintings that draw inspiration from two of Michelangelo’s sculptural masterpieces, “David” and “Apollo”.

“Apollo”

When asked why she chose to use Michelangelo’s images as a point of departure for her own work, Helen X. pointed to the universal appeal of “David” and “Apollo”, and the fact that both have strong representations in society.

“David”

As the series progressed, Helen X. moved away from iconic images of the Renaissance period, and instead turned to real-life subjects closer to her heart, such as front line medical professionals donning the now ubiquitous blue caps and masks.

In “Whistle Blower”, Helen X. explains that the blue lines encroaching upon the character are meant to represent the closeness and immediacy of the virus, while the red brushstroke over one of the eyes is meant to create a sharp contrast in tone, and could be read as either sacrifice or dedication.

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Although Helen X. deliberately chose these palettes and subjects with a certain narrative in mind, she does admit that different people have different views on art, and each viewer will have a unique understanding of all the red lines and other artistic choices.

“Whistle Blower”

Nevertheless, whether it’s the orange and blue streaked across David’s face, the yellow and blue slathered on Apollo’s, or the blue with a hint of red on the face of the doctor, collision is ultimately what Helen X. is highlighting in these three paintings.

Painting isn’t the only medium in Helen X.’s repertoire though. She also created an installation piece entitled, “Virus”, which is an homage to front-line medical professionals.

“Virus” is equal parts beautiful and haunting, inviting the viewer into a chaotic and psychedelic atmosphere that somehow feels both claustrophobic and expansive at once.

The props and sculpture figures

Given the limited resources available at the time, Helen X. used disposable gloves to make masks, and smoke to mimic poisonous gas, an effect which came to life using a humidifier and her cellphone’s flashlight. To achieve the mind-altering landscape in the foreground, Helen X. used scarves she had laying around the house. However, it’s the stark, infinite depth of the background that brings the whole piece together.

When asked about her future plans, Helen X. said she is open to prepare and pursue what she likes and will challenge herself. She said nothing is decided yet, but the future is bright.

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Photos: Courtesy of Helen X.

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