The word 'corona' means 'wreath/crown' in Latin. When examined under an electron microscope the virus has the appearance of a crown, hence the name 'coronavirus'. This self-portrait is part of a series of seven in which I wear 'crowns' made out of objects I associate with this time of isolation and lockdown in the context of COVID-19. From the saying 'heavy is the head that wears the crown' came the series title 'Heavy is the Head...'
The idea of the crown is loaded with symbolism and associations. This image speaks to the concept of the biblical "crown of thorns", which was used to inflict pain as well as, conversely, to undermine claim to authority.
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