LOCKDOWN DIARY, THE STORY OF 2020
“IN THE VERNACULAR”
BY RUTH LAWLOR
The Art of Isolation
I stepped away from my usual style of painting to document and assemble a visual diary regarding the unfolding news and experiences brought about by the health crisis. Typically I take visual notes in a sketchbook, but with the mounting collection of delivery boxes I started recording images and words on cardboard. With the exception of paint and marker, the media consists of recycled and repurposed materials detailing common experiences produced by isolation. My goal was to represent with simple materials and images the complexity of experiences ranging from toilet paper shortages, the quest to fight boredom and confusing emotional responses.
“In The Vernacular” is narrative of pandemic icons and personal responses to isolation and the political unrest during the 2020 health crisis. The images and words are arranged in loose chronological order beginning in March and ending in December.
Each panel consists of columns of cardboard pieces suspended with copper wire hanging from dowels. The repurposed materials includes cardboard, wood, found papers, copper wire, jute and acrylic. The panels are approximately 146 inches in length and 64 inches wide.
"In the Vernacular" in the news
Browse the selected photos below to get a closer look at “In the Vernacular.”
