“I started this piece when the coronavirus was spreading throughout China. I took an old failed painting of poured black and white acrylic paint, and started cutting it into pieces. I then pressed the snipped pieces together and arranged them in a regular pattern on paper. As the news of the virus became more grim and it became clear that we were living in a moment that forever would change the world and all our lives, the painting shifted from carefully placed chessboard-like squares into freeform placement, as I felt I was losing control over keeping my family safe.

 I came back to finish the piece at the same time that I was seeing the caring outpouring of support from the local community, helping each other.”

— Bussie Parker Kehoe (Winston-Salem, NC)