Medical masks, which have become a mandatory attribute of isolation, seem to be a purely utilitarian thing and suitable only for intended use.
But during the quarantine period for some people, masks became the object of creative inspiration: for example, they began to make doll angels and Christmas tree decorations. They began to be present in various installations: in pictures and photos, they began to defend the Statue of Liberty and matryoshka dolls, the Mona Lisa and cartoon characters.
Japanese artist Tatsuya Tanaka created a new genre even before the COVID-19 pandemic. When designing and then photographing his miniatures, he uses everyday things and products. Old CDs, clothespins, egg yolks, a roll of toilet paper, a slice of lemon, now there are protective masks … One or more small figurines (the artist collects them since childhood), and all this, together with his special attitude, turns into a small masterpiece.
Tanaka gained popularity by creating a “Miniature Calendar”: every day, since 2011, he posts on his website on the Internet a photo of a new miniature he created.
The artist's humor and freedom of imagination have provided him with millions of fans and millions of subscribers around the world.
His “coronavirus” miniatures were especially delighted. After all, they depict what people lack so much during a pandemic – open space and good rest. Tatsuya Tanaka's symbols of a fierce pandemic – masks, thermometers, toilet paper – turned into tents and ice floes, racing cars and Christmas trees.
