Artist name: Toh Ee Siew

Image: LIFE GOES ON

View in virtual exhibition

Edition: 1 of 1

Collection

From ART3.io, Edition365 is a once-in-a-century art & photography collection documenting the historic events between 11 March 2020 and 10 March 2021: a portrait of the year that changed everything. 365 days, captured in 365 artworks, now on sale as unique NFT editions of one — with exclusive unlockable content for collectors.

Unlockable content with purchase of this NFT

High resolution file

[First time buyer only] Single-use right to archive quality physical print (printed & delivered free of charge)

Caption

Despite the high risk of getting infected with Covid-19 and also for fear of losing his job, he continues to work in the chicken slaughterhouse.

The local chicken industry has faced unprecedented disruption from the pandemic. Infections has impacted the workers as they are working in tight quarters on production lines, making it especially vulnerable. To prevent transmission, the workers were told to mask on and to avoid close physical contact. In such challenging environment, this worker apart from having to wear those yellow rubber boots, he has no alternative but to mask on. He could not wear a single mask for the entire 8 - 12 hour shifts. Masks must be changed when they become wet or soiled and he will find it very inconvenient wearing them especially in such hot climate. There is the problem of face irritation, sweating, difficulty in breathing, ear pain and much discomfort. However, he is left with no choice but to adhere to the safety measures. The mask is one tool kit for his safety until that day arrives when herd immunity is created against the virus.

I saw him at the entrance dragging away stacks of plastic boxes with chickens inside. He appears to be an interesting subject and I gave a fleeting shot at the decisive moment in his workplace illuminating his work life and surroundings.