Coronavirus: Dubai street art project illustrates global impact of Covid-19

Dubai one of four cities to display exhibition commissioned by the International Committee of the Red Cross

A street art project hosted at Alserkal Avenue is showcasing the human stories of the Covid-19 pandemic. Antonie Robertson / The National

Street art commissioned by the International Committee of the Red Cross is on display in Dubai to highlight the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic across the world.

Giant posters by French artist “Combo” went on show this week as part of an international exhibition to highlight the new realities of restricted movement, disrupted jobs and education shortfall caused by the global outbreak.

Dubai was one of four cities chosen to take part in the project by the ICRC that calls for solidarity across borders in the face of the international crisis brought about by the coronavirus.

Similar campaigns opened in Mexico City, Paris and Johannesburg.

The street art project delves into the multi-faceted impact of Covid-19. Antonie Robertson / The National

ICRC clinical psychologist, Isabel Rivera Marmolejo , said the pandemic had heightened anxiety in communities due to uncertainty and financial hardship.

“Family members are sometimes separated, and don’t know when they’ll see each other next,” she said.

“This is also compounded by economic problems caused by Covid-19.

“This pandemic has shown us that we cannot control some aspects of our lives; and that’s a big stressor on our mental health.”

A QR code on posters directs viewers towards information on the ICRC’s role in supporting those worst impacted by the virus.

The link leads to different human stories on school closures, health care workers, mental health, preventative care in detention, the impact on jobs and complications around managing virus related deaths.

Many featured stories on individuals already navigating challenges around war and violence.

The campaign encourages support for humanitarian aid and the kind of missions supported by the ICRC.

Photographic portraits and testimonies have been created in collaboration with Dysturb, a collection of photojournalists, artists and writers pairing street art with online content to educate about social issues.

The work features in prominent locations across host cities, including Dubai, with the creative-minded district of Alserkal Avenue the focus of the collection.

People visiting the exhibition can share their own experiences of living through the pandemic by sharing the #inaword hashtag in social media channels.

“We must not forget refugees who had already lost everything, and must now cope with the extra pressures of the pandemic,” said Ms Marmolejo.

“Mental health support is a vital component of the ICRC’s Covid-19 health care response.

"People who face stigma associated with their mental health problems may be reluctant to seek support for both Covid-19 and mental health conditions.

“They need support and especially by health workers.”

The exhibition is due to run until Saturday, October 3.