KAWS / Acute Art

In the current climate, with the many parts of the world in lockdown, artists have had to discover new ways to creatively produce work within the confinements of their homes. Several artists, including Banksy and Damien Hirst, have taken to Instagram to engage with the public and showcase their current pandemic projects to their followers.

Here are some of the shared works and glimpses into how artists are spending their time during this pandemic:

Banksy

Banksy posted a few images on his Instagram, revealing a new installation within his home. Unlike his usual scene of choice, the street, Banksy showed his ability to adapt within the bounds of the lockdown by adopting the venue of his bathroom for his installation.

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. . My wife hates it when I work from home.

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KAWS

Following the recent release of KAW’s series of augmented reality sculptures, dubbed EXPANDED HOLIDAY, an update has been added to the Acute Art app to comply with social distancing efforts. Instead of having to visit the specified locations in London, New York and other cities as before, users are now able to experience the augmented reality sculptures from their own homes.

Damien Hirst

Hirst announced to his followers on Instagram, that he had created a new artwork in homage to the NHS staff, entitled Butterfly Rainbow. The piece utilises an array of coloured butterfly wings, one of the artist’s most distinguishable motifs, in the form of a rainbow. All the profits made from the limited edition piece will be donated to the NHS and coronavirus related relief. The artwork is also available to download from Hirst’s website.

Shepard Fairey

Fairey, best-known for designing Barack Obama’s iconic 2008 campaign posters, teamed up with Adobe to create a series depicting essential key workers, titled Honor Heroes. The project titled Honor Heroes, encourages other creatives to share their artwork of key workers using the #HonorHeroes hastag.

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I’ve partnered with Adobe to honor our heroes. “Guts not Glory” is an illustration of one of the many healthcare workers whose selfless acts of compassion and service are always meaningful, but at this moment are especially heroic. I’m inspired to glorify those who don’t seek glory, but rather to serve humanity when it is most challenged. I want the portrait to emanate the comforting warmth and empathy healthcare workers provide in the midst of anxiety and crisis. Now, I’d like to personally invite you to use your creativity to honor a hero in your life, those who keep our world turning. Share your creation with #HonorHeroes tag @adobe and let’s honor them and show the world how important they are to us. -Shepard

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