Many industries are facing unprecedented changes due to the effects of the coronavirus, which is having a dramatic impact for a lot of different professions. Those in the creative industry have been hit particularly hard as art fairs, workshops and exhibitions are indefinitely put on hold, as well as theatre performances and tv and film productions coming to an abrupt standstill. I spoke to 26 year old London based artist, who goes under the pseudonym Betusha Rapatusha, about how she’s had to cope with the effects of the coronavirus
Even though artists often spend time alone and work in their studios, the imposed lockdown is having a massive impact both financially and creatively. Since Lockdown Rapatusha has had to cancel her upcoming exhibition which was due to be held in March and has subsequently had to move back with her parents, and start a new job in a calls centre.
‘People don’t have the income to support artists, and I can understand why, people are so worried about the future and economic security, buying art would be at the back of anyones mind’.
Unlike the stereotypical image of an artist, who supposedly thrives in isolation, Betusha draws a lot of inspiration from the relationships she has with people, which is one of the reasons she’s struggling with finding inspiration ‘I love being around people, I love learning from people, I love loving people, so this compulsory lockdown is definitely altered my creativity’.
Since having to cancel her London exhibition, she’s lost the money from renting the venue, as well as any profits she would have made through selling her art work. Luckily, Betusha has a large social media presence with other 26 thousand followers who are fans of her work from all over the world.
‘Although using social media isn’t the same as interacting with people at exhibitions, and instagram, like all platforms, has its downfalls, it allows engagement which is so important right in times like now’.
Like many other artists Betusha is looking for ways to innovate and move her career online since no one knows what’s happening with shows and galleries.
Now, like many other artists Betusha is looking for ways to innovate and move her career online since no one knows what’s happening with shows and galleries for the foreseeable future.
Although coronavirus has its downfalls, Betusha recognises the positives and says although she’s struggling to find inspiration, she’s ‘finding beauty in the simple things’ and although it’s going to take some endurance, she believes that art is going to mean more to people now more than ever.