As a tribute to the healthcare and essential workers who are on the frontlines each day amid the coronavirus pandemic, various artists from Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) have decided to create Star Wars-themed artworks dedicated to these real-life heroes.
The Star Wars universe is replete with inspiring figures such as Jedi Knights, smugglers-turned-resistance-fighters, bounty-hunters-turned-babysitters, and self-sacrificing Death Star plan stealers.
But they’re no match for the countless real folks out there who risk their lives, while spending time away from their loved ones, just to make sure that the sick are tended to or that those staying at home get what they need.
This is why artists from ILM are saluting these frontline workers’ efforts through the power of art, with a Star Wars twist, of course.
Remember to stay far, far away from others and thank the true Heroes of the Pandemic.
(Number 1 in a series, Artist: Casey Straka) #covid19 #starwars pic.twitter.com/0krZNdu3V0
— ILMVFX (@ILMVFX) April 14, 2020
An art jam from a galaxy not far away
As stated in the official Star Wars blog, a number of ILM’s best illustrators are taking part in the “Heroes of the Pandemic: ILM Art Jam.”
In this art jam, these ILM artists create their own artworks as an expression of gratitude for the healthcare professionals, grocery store personnel, delivery persons, and utility staff who are saving lives or ensuring that essential supplies are available to those who need them the most.
Consistent with the Star Wars theme, the illustrations often feature some of the most beloved characters from the mythology, including fan favorites like Chewbacca, the Mandalorian, Baby Yoda, C-3PO, R2-D2, BB-8, Ewoks, Jawas, Luke, Rey, and of course, those adorable AF Porgs.
Sharing artworks to the rest of the world
According to the blog post, ILM has already started posting some of the illustrations on its official Twitter and Instagram accounts.
One of its first artworks is by Julien Gauthier, honoring healthcare workers everywhere who are directly battling COVID-19:
Honoring our front line medical workers for their tireless efforts in saving lives.
Number 2 in a series. (Artwork by: Julien Gauthier @juliengauthierart ) pic.twitter.com/IxIPGhAONp
— ILMVFX (@ILMVFX) April 15, 2020
Another artwork done by Chris Voy tips its hat to the brave people who deliver food to those staying indoors:
To all the heroes risking their lives to keep food on our tables… Thank you.
Number 4 in a series.
(Art by Chris Voy ) pic.twitter.com/psgqY0B8Pz
— ILMVFX (@ILMVFX) April 17, 2020
Even educators and teachers get some love, courtesy of a Pablo Dominguez Aguilar creation that features Luke, R2-D2, a hologram Yoda, and Boglings:
A special thank you to all the teachers keeping our padawans learning and growing.
Number 5 in a series.
(Art by: Pablo Dominguez Aguilar) pic.twitter.com/ASADBMGQzr— ILMVFX (@ILMVFX) April 20, 2020
A more recent contribution from Julien Gauthier makes an effort not to forget the IT professionals who keep us connected in uncertain times:
Many thanks to the I.T. professionals of the galaxy for keeping us all connected.
Number 6 in a series.
(Artwork by: Julien Gauthier @juliengauthierart) #ILMArtDept pic.twitter.com/fTkR0yJvOg— ILMVFX (@ILMVFX) April 21, 2020
The latest art, done by Evan Whitefield, shows some appreciation for the people who keep our communities clean even with an ongoing pandemic:
Keep the galaxy clean – Renew, Reuse, Recycle! #EarthdayAtHome #Earthday2020
Number 7 in a series. (Artwork by Evan Whitefield @evanwhitefieldart ) #ilmartdept pic.twitter.com/fwWhmtMhFz— ILMVFX (@ILMVFX) April 22, 2020
For those who want to keep tabs on upcoming artworks that ILM will be posting in the next few days or weeks, they can just follow the hashtag #ILMArtDept.
Positivity in these dark times
As surely as we can depend on the light to repel the dark side of the Force, the world can always use some positivity in a time like this – whether it’s with a little help from cave-dwelling Fraggles, social media platforms, TikTok, World of Warcraft, or America Ferrera.
Featured image courtesy of Star Wars
