PLAGUE MANIFESTO

Kahilu Galleries, Kamuela HI • Fall 2020

ARTIST STATEMENT

Plague Manifesto (March 5 - September 2, 2020) is a somber and poetic visualization of the COVID pandemic in Hawaii. I created this monumental textile collage to dimensionalize and memorialize our collective experience. The artwork incorporates lava-like textures of paint and sand, cryptic marks, masks, handmade beads, haunting lines made from string and twine, and petrified lumps of string and fabric. Rich layers and textures create an archeological effect that underscores the historic nature of this moment. The piece includes a red element for every life lost to COVID in Hawaii.
The artwork is displayed on a wood platform in the shape of Hawaii’s daily COVID case count, which dramatically increased in recent weeks. Blending data and expression, Plague Manifesto portrays the emotional and psychological landscape of this unique time. The artwork is 240" x 42" and the platform is 96” x 144” x 36”.

Joy Ray, September 2020