A new series of portraits uses computer punch cards from the 60s and 70s to tell the stories of frontline NHS workers.
Contemporary artist Nick Gentry based the artworks on selfies sent in by the subjects, from paediatric nurses to junior doctors. They each spoke to Gentry about what it has been like to work in hospitals throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and how it has impacted on their lives, and these testimonies will be on display alongside the artworks, currently on show at the Opera Gallery in Bond Street.
Jake, a health care assistant for the elderly, said: “The biggest challenge for me personally is witnessing the fear in the eyes of those aware that they’re dying. I can’t imagine what it must feel like in your closing days to be surrounded by people in masks all the while being completely isolated from loved ones. This virus strips us of our dignity and human connection in death and for me this is truly heartbreaking.”
Another worker Archi sent in a selfie taken before a day performing caesarean sections, saying: “There are babies that still need delivery and a pandemic doesn’t change this; the babies provide a glimmer of light and hope for us all during this trying time. Pregnancy and birth can be an uncertain time, and that was before the Coronavirus came into the picture. What is most inspirational is how our pregnant women are exuding such strength throughout it all.”
The punch cards used in the artworks were one of the first ways to write code and data for computers. As well as a platform for NHS staff’s stories, Gentry’s artworks explore the intersection of the pandemic and technology, including track and trace and 5G conspiracies.
Gentry has become known for transforming old tech such as floppy disks and VHS tapes into paintings and sculptures.
His NHS portraits are currently on show alongside Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Ellen von Unwerth in an exhibition at the Opera Gallery until the end of the month.
