As the world bows down in the face of such uncertainty with every conversation leading to COVID-19 it appears that as pandemics go, the viral sublime today has acquired a sense of additional urgency. The ‘sublime’ is in essence a term used to describe extraordinary experiences which overwhelm us, engendering a sense of awe. Through my recent affiliation with Imperial College London, I have witnessed with admiration, the complexity of the ways in which scientists engineer treatments and vaccines to counteract viral attacks ; many scientists devoting their entire lives to understanding these entities.
I am increasingly being asked about my investigations and proposal of The Viral Sublime from an artist’s perspective , so I am making it more readily accessible in the belief that even if it can make a minutiae difference in raising awareness and respect for the power of viruses, then it is worthwhile. It has been my own lifelong battle with viral keratitis which lies at the genesis of my interest in the unseen and in many cases, unknown entities.
The Viral Sublime draws upon a combination of history, theoretical concerns and multiple collaborations with scientists and doctors. It can be viewed here:
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