Doctors' coats turned into COVID-fighting art in Panama

The lab coats will be auctioned off to raise money for anti-virus equipments

Last updated: October 01, 2020 | 15:01

AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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22 Panamanian artists asked to transform frontline health workers' lab coats into auction-ready artwork to raise money for anti-virus equipment in the Central American country.

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Each of the two dozen coats in the collection bears its doctor's nametag, which forms part of the final work.

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Dr. Fulvia Vergara holds her white coat decorated by Panamanian artist Genaro Rodriguez in Panama City.

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Examining it at a viewing, Vergara admitted to feeling moved at seeing her coat transformed. "For a doctor, it is like a cape that identifies and protects at the same time," she said.

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The 24 coats, which will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, feature landscapes, animals, geometric figures, imaginary viruses, naked women bathing in the sea and the eyes of an anguished child.

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Panama has the highest number of Covid-19 infections in Central America, with more than 111,000 cases and more than 2,300 deaths.

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The auction will be held virtually from October 1-4, and the organizers say that the proceeds will be used to purchase equipment for health centers.

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Auction's hall director, Ricardo Gago, shows white coats used by doctors fighting against COVID-19 and decorated by Panamanian artists in Panama City.

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"They really need a great deal of help, not only medical supplies for Covid, but also equipment," said Ricardo Gago, president of the Rotary Club of Panama, which is organizing the auction.

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The opening price for each work is $1,000, though the organizers believe bidding will go higher, and expect to raise well in excess of $24,000 for the 24 coats.

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