Explaining Covid-19 science through art

SOUTH African artist, Ras Silas Motse, scooped first prize and $1 500 for his Covid-19-inspired art piece, Afrikan Geometry reborn contaminated at the recent ‘Covid-19: Where are and Science Meet’ project.

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Fusion of art and science
Motse was one of several African artists who participated in the project, funded by the African Academy of Sciences.

Led by SANTHE’s (Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence) Dr Victoria Kasprowicz and Kim Darley Waddilove, the contest called for African youth to submit creative concepts representing their impressions of the pandemic.

The project allowed for a greater appreciation of the science surrounding the pandemic, and provided a platform for scientists to engage with the public.

To guide the artists, SANTHE hosted an interactive virtual workshop with scientists and artists to explore Covid-19 topics.

The artists then created final pieces which were exhibited for the public. More than 3 000 people voted online for their favourite art piece.

‘We received very positive feedback from the participants in this project, and many were very interested to take part in future projects combining art and science,’ said Dr Victoria Kasprowicz.

Research into co-morbidities

SANTHE programme director, Professor Thumbi Ndung’u, explained there is very little data on Covid-19 spread, severely limiting public health interventions.

‘HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infections are co-morbidities that may potentially influence susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2,’ said Professor Ndung’u.

SANTHE scientists are currently engaged in SARS-CoV-2 research to understand the interplay with HIV and TB and in the overall public health response.

‘It is now a vital time to engage with our communities to obtain thoughts and opinions and gauge levels of interest and understanding as this may influence the direction of our research,’ he said.

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