Illustrator captures uplifting moments while battling virus
Wuhan has finally emerged from its darkest hour in the fight against Covid-19 and is in a gradual state of revival.
Local illustrator Li Jing
(pic), who herself has recovered from Covid-19, believes that the indelible memories of those who helped the city through the difficult period should be recorded and remembered.
Recently, she has been busy introducing readers to her newly published book – her illustrated record of stories from Wuhan based on various sources ranging from her personal experience, touching stories recounted by her friends as well as news reports and media coverage.
The book contains 288 hand-painted illustrations depicting medical staff, delivery workers, builders of the Leishenshan and Huoshenshan hospitals, police, sanitation and community workers, volunteers and many others who participated in the city’s tenacious fight against the virus, as well as conveying the fear and love she experienced over the course of the 105-day period.
“It’s my way to express gratitude to those who helped us over the past few months, and show readers what Wuhan has been through in a positive perspective,” said the 38-year-old.
Unlike photographs that captured the realism of key moments, Li decided to represent the frontliners and the other subjects as cute cartoon characters to deliver joy via a more animated approach.
“I draw pictures of those who cared for us, the love and warmth we feel is unforgettable,” she says, adding that she hopes to record the warmth she received and pass it on to more people.
Li tested positive for Covid-19 in February, and was admitted to a makeshift hospital in a converted sports stadium that held around 300 patients with mild symptoms.
To kill time at the hospital, she would draw cartoon characters of the doctors and nurses who roamed the wards taking care of patients.
She said the medical staff reminded her of Baymax, the fictional superhero from Disney’s animated film Big Hero 6.