Description

Carlos Quinto Kemm’s Some Rise… Some Bury Their Heads is a striking visual commentary on the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring themes of awareness, denial, and resilience in the face of a global crisis. The composition contrasts those who confronted the pandemic with courage and adaptability against those who chose to ignore or dismiss its reality.

At the heart of the piece, figures emerge from a richly textured environment, symbolizing individuals who rose to meet the challenges of the pandemic—healthcare workers, scientists, and communities coming together in solidarity. In stark contrast, others bury their heads, a poignant metaphor for denial, misinformation, and the refusal to acknowledge the severity of the crisis.

Kemm’s masterful use of collage and layered imagery weaves together elements of history, nature, and mythology, creating a visually complex and emotionally resonant narrative. The intricate textures and symbolic juxtapositions invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences during the pandemic—how societies responded, adapted, and in some cases, resisted change.

Through Some Rise… Some Bury Their Heads, Kemm challenges the viewer to consider the consequences of action versus inaction, illuminating the stark divide between those who chose to rise and those who turned away in a time of collective struggle.