With no holds barred in getting across the message of epidemic prevention, so too does art have a role to play. Here in Nanjing, NFASA is doing its bit by inviting the foreign community to use its creativity to join with China in her war on the coronavirus.
Today marks the Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao jie; 元宵节) that falls 2 weeks after the Chinese New Year. This day is symbolised by the circle of oneness that unites all things and all people. Tradition calls for the eating of glutinous rice balls, the “yuanxiao”. The round shape of yuanxiao symbolises the family circle and its eating symbolises the hope for family reunions.
Therefore, it is appropriate that NFASA (Nanjing Foreign Affairs Service Association) today launches its Expat “Stop the Coronavirus” Art Competition. The competition recognises that art can send a powerful message. It is this visual aspect of the prevention message that the competition seeks to explore.
It also brings the foreign community closer to the local Chinese. With the arrival of the coronavirus, children’s school holidays have beed extended. Like their parents, they too observe developments. They see it through their own eyes, in the special way that children see the world.
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Many children of medical workers have therefore picked up their paintbrush at home to cheer for their parents, their uncles and their aunts. Through their paintings, we can see the fight on the front line of the epidemic, as Purple Mountain News has reported.
How to Enter the Art Competition
Entries may take any form; electronic or hand drawn. In the case of the latter, a photo should be taken of the work and then submitted. In this case, an additional photo of the artist holding the work is requested but not required.
Submissions via email to coronavirus@nfasa.org.cn, or via WeChat in the form of a message to the NFASA official account.
The closing date for entries is Saturday 22 February, 2020.
