Coated in COVID

Coated in COVID

Artist: Marie Bergstedt

Title: Coated in COVID

Attribution: Coated in COVID, 2023, Marie Bergstedt

Year: 2023

Materials: Cotton threads, wool felt and cotton fabric, nonwoven interfacing

Dimensions: 60" H x 36" W x 31"D

Image Statement: "Coated in COVID" addresses a concern and experience for the entire world, with a symbolic wrap to keep everyone warm and safe until the threat subsides. Hand crochet and embroidery flow through much of the garment with interpretations of COVID cells. A diagram of a genetic molecular strand of COVID and a high-definition microscopic image are also included. One underarm displays a list of COVID variants and the other underarm, the titles of vaccine research attempts and failures. A neck scarf denotes treatments for those infected with COVID-19. The back of the jacket reminds us of the four years COVID has been active, with a syringe signaling general availability of vaccines beginning in 2021. All the same, COVID continues to fall down all over the world, with a need to stay safely wrapped for now.