An AUCHINLECK artist has created works inspired by coronavirus that he hopes will make people take the pandemic more seriously.

Brian Carey, 59, created three pieces of public artwork using recycled and found objects focussing on the impact of COVID-19 on human lives.

Brian said: “I hope what I’ve done will make people think a wee bit deeper.

“The way I’ve done it is conceptual, focussing on the actual casualties, people that sadly are dying.”

One work centres on a discarded mattress representing the people dying alone in beds and also the relatives of those suffering who are left behind when their loved one is taken by the virus.

The mattress is surrounded by medical gloves arranged in the shape of the cross.

“I couldn’t donate my mass stock of gloves as they had previously been used in another artwork and had been contaminated, but I would have if they had been sterile,” said Brian.

Instead, he recycled the 4,500 gloves from a previous piece at the Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh he made to highlight the plight of drowning refugees.

He said: “To me these disposable gloves reflect the way this pandemic started; people were disposable, it wasn’t taken seriously enough and countries around the world didn’t react quickly enough.”

Another work has a paper plate, knife and fork to illustrate the panic buying and lack of food in supermarkets, a PPE face mask, medical gloves, a surgical drip and an emergency stretcher with the message ‘put others first’ before it.

Brian said: “The work has crosses silhouetted against a setting sun to represent those who have died and are hopefully remembered and that a new day will dawn.”

Last week, Creative Scotland announced additional funding to support and sustain the country’s creative community during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Bridging Bursary Fund (Arts and Creative) is providing financial support for freelance creative professionals most deeply impacted and disadvantaged by the cancellation of work due to the COVID-19 emergency.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government believes culture and creativity are essential to our wellbeing, and we are working hard to support those who make this hugely important contribution to our society as they navigate these difficult times. “

All funding guidance, eligibility criteria, application forms and a list of helpful resources and support groups and organisations are available at the Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland websites.

To see more of Brian’s artwork visit his Facebook page Brian Carey Art, or his Instagram @briancareyart.

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