Lockdown 2020

Who would have thought on December 31st that we would go into lockdown in 2020? Nobody. Clearly, we are all under the pressure of circumstances. We see images on TV  and hear terrible stories from friends. What does this do to people’s mental health? Many people become anxious and look for answers. But it is difficult. Difficult to realize that this is all real. Imagine being in the hospital for 30 days. Deathly ill without seeing family or friends. That’s hard.

We could have wondered if the government would have done a better job of preventing this. Yes, we can blame the Chinese government for not doing the right thing. But this is not the time for us to point the finger. It’s time for empathy. Unfortunately, we underestimated this virus at first. Now we’re more aware of how serious this virus is. 

Show compassion

And fortunately, we now acknowledge the hard work of our doctors and nurses. These heroes barely sleep, see terrible things and run the risk of being infected. But they keep going. These people deserve our utmost respect. It will never be the same as it used to be, but the positive thing we have left from this war must be compassion. When you see how people crave air. Or as in Spain where they lie on the ground in the hospital, you can’t close your eyes to reality. That’s why it’s so important that we call each other and motivate each other in these difficult times. We really need each others care.

Remember that our caregivers risk their lives for others. In many hospitals and residential care centres, they don’t have enough or the right equipment to work safely. Yet they all work together and sometimes work longer shifts. When someone is discharged from the hospital, you can see the happy faces of the nurses and doctors. The discharged patients often burst into tears and are so grateful that they are still alive. And this is something we all have to remember, no matter how difficult it is sometimes. Health is priceless!

Artists in lockdown

As an artist in these difficult times, I too am not sitting still and looking for alternatives to survive as an artist. I came up with the idea to make my contribution to society and bring mouth masks on the market with my art. In this way I hope to make the world a little more beautiful and to set a positive trend, since we are obliged to make the world a safer place.

The name of the artwork is ‘Supported from all over the world’, Exhibition in New York at Times square on 60 floors. These masks are Oeko-Tex certified. They are washable at 90 degrees and reusable so very environmentally friendly. It’s a small investment to guarantee your safety and meanwhile you contribute and support the art. In the future we will probably have to wear mouth masks to walk outside. It may then be very convenient that you have some.And you also walk in style with your artistic mouth mask.

The mouth masks are sold in pairs of five.  You can call or mail to 0475/47.77.82 and vincent@messelier.eu. The price is 100 euro for 5 pieces (incl.6% VAT). Thank you kindly for supporting the local economy, we will all need it. Made in Belgium! Let us be proud! Also watch my latest interview on YouTube.