Mask Portraits Inspire Researcher
In the early months of the pandemic, Dr. Maren Laughlin, Program Director with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, created the COVID Portrait Series, 25 portraits made from acrylic and fabric on canvas, as a tribute to resilience and community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"At the beginning of the pandemic there was so much controversy and fear, and it struck me that the real heroes of the moment were the people that were just doing what they were asked to do in order to try and to protect each other's health."
The minor task of wearing a mask inspired Dr. Laughlin to start working on a colorful art project that would reflect individuality, community and respect for each other's well-being. Dr. Laughlin reached out to friends and family and asked each to send a selfie with their face mask, and started painting a project that would take four months to complete.
Laughlin contacted the NIH Clinical Center's Art Program about displaying the portraits in the Clinical Center, in hopes that the art would bolster people's spirits. The hospital's art program usually features professional artists, but accepted this unique exhibit and its health-related message.
Collaborating with friends and family recreated a sense of community by being able to "share our collective experience at a distance," as actually visiting loved ones has been difficult during the pandemic. The portrait series is currently on view on the fifth floor of the NIH Clinical Center (near the CC staff asymptomatic COVID testing site) and can also be seen on Twitter by using the #MarenRLaughlin hashtag. Dr. Laughlin encourages everyone to wear a mask and keep each other safe.
- Janice Duran