Clothing the Pandemic

A Virtual Exhibition of COVID-19 Face Masks from Around the World

Face mask depicting masked women

During the pandemic, many Indian textile artisans transferred their skills and designs to COVID face masks, creating beautiful objects that also promote local traditions and identities. They were supported and marketed by arts organizations such as Dastkari Haat Samti. Here, Apinder Swain, who works in the Pattachitra tradition of scroll painting in Odisha, India, depicted women wearing masks to promote the message that face masks are critical for preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

Apinder Swain, India

2020

Designed in Odisha, India

Made in Odisha, India

Pattachitra (style of scroll-painting) painted cotton

Royal Ontario Museum
2021.27.74 

 

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