Han Ximin

ximhan@126.com

SHENZHEN artists have boosted public morale, answering a call for the creation of works depicting key moments in the fight against the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) outbreak of recent weeks.

On Jan. 31, toward the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the Shenzhen Federation of Literary and Arts Circles sent out a letter calling on the city’s artists to create artistic works with a focus on the fight against the outbreak.

Within a week, local artists illustrated the country’s determination in eradicating the NCP outbreak, including selfless acts by medical professionals, through literature, music, calligraphy, fine arts, folk arts and photographs.

The catalogued finished products include 74 original songs, 419 paintings, 375 calligraphies, 151 photographs, 224 poems and 23 folk art pieces.

One of the songs, titled “Take Out Courage” (“拿出勇气”), has been called an elite song by the Publicity Department of CPC Central Committee in fighting against outbreak, and another, “Go Beyond Fear” (“超越恐惧”) has been inducted into the list of national humanitarian songs in fighting against outbreak.

“Take Out Courage” was composed by well-known Shenzhen musician He Muyang.

“In recent days, we have seen determination, devotion, responsibility and sacrifice, and also uncertainty, grief, numbness and even evil in life. We hope the outbreak will pass soon; we take out our courage and take precautions. This is our strongest anti-body,” said He at an interview with the Shenzhen Economic Daily.