USING LINOCUT TECHNIQUE TO EXPRESS THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF UNICROSS

ABSTRACT This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) through the medium of linocut printmaking. The pandemic, originating in Wuhan, China, in 2019, and declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, led to over 200 million cases and 4.6 million deaths by September 2021, causing widespread disruption, particularly in the education sector. This study aimed to visually document the experiences of UNICROSS students during the pandemic using linocut printmaking technique. The research encompasses a historical overview of linocut printmaking, highlighting the contributions of notable artists such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Employing a studio-based research design, the methodology includes data collection from both primary and secondary sources, specifically focusing on the context of UNICROSS. The study's goal was to enhance awareness of the pandemic effects on the university students through artistic expression. The study concludes that linocut printmaking is an effective medium for capturing and conveying the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. It recommends integrating linocut printmaking into the university curriculum as a tool for artistic and emotional expression, fostering resilience and creativity among students in response to crises. Additionally, the research suggests that universities should provide more support for students in times of global disruptions, ensuring that educational and emotional needs are adequately met.