Illustrations by Iranian artist show the harsh reality of doctors during coronavirus outbreak
39-year-old Iranian artist Alireza Pakdel creates mindful illustrations that reflect on the world’s current situation and show how to fight the spread of this invisible enemy.
Nobody expected 2020 to be like this. All media channels encouraging people to stay at home. All theaters, cinemas, gyms, and museums being closed. All hospitals around the world filled with people, some even unable to help others. It seems like everything has stopped in the great pandemic of the 21st century—coronavirus. One artist decided to show us how to adapt to these uneasy and extreme times.
 |
| Who cares for the caretakers? |
 |
 |
| The paint shows how harsh the situation is when doctors worldwide are coping with in the Covid-19 battle |
 |
His illustrations capture the harsh reality of those who sacrifice themselves to take care of us—doctors, policemen, firemen, and nurses. They are the protagonists of these illustrations that we must respect.
 |
| Doctors are making their best efforts to save people's lives. |
 |
 |
| As we fight the virus, we cannot let fear go viral. |
 |
Pakdel masterfully highlights the power of solidarity, empathy, and protection for one another. His characters convey all kinds of feelings and appeal to surreal, imaginary situations that reflect on today’s world—a group of doctors holding the arrows of the clock to wait for the vaccine, a doctor and a nurse trying to break the chain of the coronavirus from a patient’s hand, and another doctor sacrificing himself to defend a group of patients from the deadly virus.
 |
| Medical staffs are working nights and days to combat the novel respiratory virus. |
 |
 |
| Sanitation workers are also vulnerable. |
 |
Related Stories
Friendship
US Veteran Use Painting to Heal War Wounds
As an American painter and veteran, David Thomas's artwork reflects on the war. Despite the grim subject matter, his art acts as a bridge between Viet and American cultures.
June 26, 2023 | 09:21
Expats in Vietnam
Tet On The Canvas: Artists in Vietnam Recreate the Zodiac In New Exhibition
A collective of artists in Vietnam have created a two week long art exhibition, reflecting on the past twelve years through the signs of the Vietnamese Zodiac. Jason Law visited the event to speak to the people involved and check out what's on show.
January 20, 2023 | 21:30
Recommended
World
Venezuela Declares Seven Days of National Mourning for Earthquake Victims
Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared seven days of national mourning to honor the victims of the twin earthquakes that struck the country last week on July 1, as the death toll continued to rise and rescue operations remained underway.
July 04, 2026 | 06:46
World
Europe Faces Historic Heatwave, More Than 1,000 Deaths Reported
The World Health Organization (WHO) says more than 1,300 deaths across Europe have been linked to the historic heatwave that has gripped the continent since June 21.
July 01, 2026 | 10:14
World
Myanmar Destroys Over 50 Tons of Drugs on International Anti-Drug Day
To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, authorities in Myanmar destroyed more than 50 tons of illicit drugs worth an estimated USD 525 million. They also accused armed groups of exploiting the ongoing conflict to expand drug production and trafficking.
July 01, 2026 | 08:08
World
French Adventurer to Cycle 19,000 km to Vietnam, Taking on 14 of Asia and Europe's Highest Passes
On July 6, Bastien Rebotton, a 29-year-old from France's southeastern Savoie region, will set off on a 19,000-kilometre cycling journey to Vietnam. According to his plan, he will conquer 14 mountain passes above 2,000 metres across several countries and is expected to reach O Quy Ho Pass in Lao Cai Province on September 24, before spending about a month exploring Vietnam.
June 29, 2026 | 09:41
World
UN Calls for International Support for Victims of Venezuela Earthquake
On June 25, the United Nations (UN) called on the international community to join efforts in supporting victims of the devastating twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on the evening of June 24. The organization also announced that multiple emergency response teams had been urgently deployed to assist the South American country in coping with the disaster's aftermath.
June 27, 2026 | 10:38
World
Why Trust, Not Trade, Will Determine the Success of the India–EU FTA
When India and the European Union concluded their Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi earlier this year, much of the commentary focused on tariff schedules and sector-specific wins.
June 27, 2026 | 07:00
World
India’s naval might gets a massive boost as Modi unveils 3 indigenous vessels
According to a government statement, the induction of the three vessels will significantly enhance India's operational capabilities, strengthen maritime domain awareness and bolster the security of the country's coastal waters.
June 25, 2026 | 07:00
World
Sharing Values of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam and Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage at UNESCO Headquarters
On June 17, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, and as part of a series of activities marking the 50th anniversary of relations between Vietnam and UNESCO, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the Hanoi People's Committee and the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO, organized the cultural program “Dao Hoc” (Education Path) to commemorate the 950th anniversary of the establishment of Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first national university.
June 22, 2026 | 10:34