Drawing the Invisible: Comics as a Way of Depicting Psychological Responses to the Pandemic

Abstract

In Understanding Comics (1993: 121) Scott McCloud posited that "The invisible world of senses and emotions can . . . be portrayed either between or within panels." My intent with this graphic article is to explore the accuracy of this statement within the context of pandemic related mental health issues.While comic artists work in styles that are abstract and impressionistic to varying degrees, the vast majority of comic art has been representational in nature.  While many artists are adept at rendering facial expressions and body language, these are merely outward manifestations of a character's mood or emotions.  this article will explore the viability of conveying states of mind in a less literal manner, using my own psychological reaction to the pandemic as it's basis.In the article, I employ visual metaphors, icons, and abstraction rather than traditional representational drawing as a way of relaying the thoughts and emotions that were unfolding within my mind.This article was drawn digitally using Clip Studio Paint.  The narrator is drawn in an extremely simplifies manner in order to allow the visual devices listed above to carry the narrative rather than the traditional renderings of facial expressions and figure poses.