When we think of heroes, famous superathletes and entertainers seem to come to mind. But that kind of admiration is changing. These days, our modern-day heroes personify those who are saving mankind and on the frontlines like our healthcare workers and first responders. Incredible artists like Banksy and others are honoring these new heroes. They are placing them at the forefront in striking artwork that speaks volumes every time you pass by it.
Banksy’s ‘Game Changer’ Delighting U.K.
Iconic street artist based in England, Banksy is always on the cutting edge of society and pop culture. He brings his hauntingly beautiful graffiti pieces to the world and often carries a political message behind each careful brushstroke.
Today, fans cannot stop talking about Banksy’s piece called “Game Changer.” It now hangs in Southampton General Hospital and will raise funds for NHS charities once the U.K. lockdown is lifted.
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You can check out the gorgeous artwork here at Banksy’s Instagram page. The black and white piece features a young boy on the floor playing with his nurse superhero toy. Meanwhile, in a wastepaper basket nearby, sits unused action figure heroes Batman and Spiderman.
Cali Artist Giving Nod To Essential Workers
John Deckert has been a well-known artist for a long time now. Those who enjoy his work often view his portraits and landscapes. But something has changed his perspective since he sheltered in place in his community of Santa Rosa.
These days, Deckert is choosing to paint oil portraits of people who give back to their community fearlessly, generously, and never question why. His subjects are the folks that we see every day helping out others in their towns and cities.
Some of these essential workers include the mailman, EMT employee, tree trimmer, UPS delivery driver, fire ranger, ER nurse, fire chief, and many others.
Not only has Deckert’s work been showing at an exhibit in Berkeley but also online. The paintings are small-ish and range in size from 5 by 7 inches to 16 by 20 inches. He also kindly gifts the portraits to his subjects after he completes them.
Homage To Rosie The Riveter From New Orleans
Native New Orleanian, Terrance Osborne, is celebrated for his famous, colorful posters. Many fans recall his collaboration in 2008 with Nike in designing a poster and the first New Orleans Air Force 1 tennis shoe.
Most recently, Osborne has selected those working tirelessly in the health and service industry who are risking their lives to keep everyone well. His new poster is an ode to famous Rosie the Riveter. She is the cultural icon who represented the women working in factories and shipyards during World War II.
Happy Nurses Week 2020! #courageisbeautiful#happynursesweek #frontline#medicalindustry #stayhome #hospitalheroes #neworleansculture#followyournola #neworleansart #neworleans #coronavirus #covid19 pic.twitter.com/RvM1WyZCnI
— Terrance Osborne (@TerranceOsborne) May 6, 2020
Osborne’s “Front Line” poster gives respect to these modern-day heroes. His subject is a female healthcare worker wearing Fleur-de-lis earrings, the French symbol of New Orleans and the New Orleans Saints football team.
Obama ‘Hope’ Artist Honoring Healthcare
Fans of Los Angeles based street artist Shepard Fairey know him best for the historic Hope poster he designed for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. The large-scale mixed-media stenciled collage is done in Fairey’s signature color block style. Once again, that strong poster design is back on the street.
Fairey has partnered with Adobe to bring us “Honor Heroes.” “Guts Not Glory” is one piece that features a female healthcare professional armed with a stethoscope.
More striking posters will follow depicting teachers, mail carriers, supermarket employees, and more frontline workers. Fairey says that all of these people are performing heroic actions and serving “humanity when it is most challenged.”
We are living in era-defining moments where it’s challenging to stay optimistic. Our healthcare workers, first responders, essential workers, researchers, and administrators all represent courage, duty, and sacrifice. They are genuinely modern-day heroes who inspire us and help us all forge ahead.
