--- title: "20/20: A painting by Dr. James Stewart" description: The painting exists as a spontaneous, personal reaction to the mystery of the COVID-19 pandemic, writes Dr. James Stewart. image: https://pages.ada.org/hubfs/Covid%20Monograph/CM_Stewart_square.jpeg --- [![American Dental Association](https://pages.ada.org/hs-fs/hubfs/101520_ADA_logo.jpg?width=50&height=50&name=101520_ADA_logo.jpg) ](https://www.ada.org) [![American Dental Association](https://pages.ada.org/hs-fs/hubfs/101520_ADA_logo.jpg?width=50&height=50&name=101520_ADA_logo.jpg) ](https://www.ada.org) ** ## In It Together A community sourced archive, documenting COVID-19’s impact on dentistry ***Sponsored by [Patterson Dental](https://www.pattersondental.com/)*** #### Many in the dental community have been affected by COVID-19 and want to share their stories. As a result, the ADA is launching the JADA+ COVID-19 Monograph—a digital collection of stories, reflections, and accounts from any perspective, in any format, including articles, essays, podcasts, videos, graphics, and photos—that is open to all contributors. [Submit your COVID-19 story here.](https://pages.ada.org/jada-plus-monograph-submissions) Stories by Region [Outside the US ](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/outside-the-us) --- # 20/20: A painting by Dr. James Stewart ![CM_Stewart_1](https://pages.ada.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Covid%20Monograph/CM_Stewart_1.jpeg?width=1266&name=CM_Stewart_1.jpeg) The painting exists as a spontaneous, personal reaction to the mystery of the COVID-19 pandemic. It expresses the anxiety, fear, and wonder felt in the early days. The central figure strides out of a blue sky into a mist-filled and dark world. He looks to the right drawn by the sound and movement of animals. To his left, Death peers mockingly, his interest piqued by the new mischief. Overconfidently, he pats the head of a young girl dressed as Dick Tracy. She is the scientist, already responding, shooting into the viral attack. Behind her stands her brother. He is hope, standing calmly and confidently, dressed in lion cub pajamas that melt into the vestment of the dying plague doctor. The virus rages from his breath. His partner mourns as his protective gear has failed. Above, Death’s assistant draws a pangolin and horse shoe bat out of the hat. The title references the year but challenges the concept of learning from the past, and asks, how clear is our vision forward? __________ Dr. James Stewart Grosse Ile, Michigan Topics: [Art and Photography](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/art-and-photography), [Region–Midwest](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/region-midwest) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Stories by type - [Practitioners (58)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/practitioners) - [Personal Essay (35)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/personal-essay) - [Region–Northeast (23)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/region-northeast) - [Region–West (22)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/region-west) - [Clinical Observations (17)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/clinical-observations) - [Region–South (16)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/region-south) - [Region–Midwest (12)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/region-midwest) - [Art and Photography (10)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/art-and-photography) - [Multimedia (8)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/multimedia) - [Students (8)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/students) - [Creative writing (6)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/creative-writing) - [Patients (4)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/patients) - [Region–Outside the US (3)](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/tag/region-outside-the-us) [See all](https://pages.ada.org/en/covidmonograph/stewart-painting#) ### Most Viewed Stories ***Sponsored by: [![CM_Sponsor_Patterson_2](https://pages.ada.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Covid%20Monograph/CM_Sponsor_Patterson_2.png?width=250&name=CM_Sponsor_Patterson_2.png)](https://www.pattersondental.com/)***   ### Subscribe for updates [![JADA+_logo_rev](https://pages.ada.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JADA+_logo_rev.png?width=200&height=80&name=JADA+_logo_rev.png "JADA+_logo_rev")](https://pages.ada.org/) Contact us at [JADA@ada.org](mailto:JADA@ada.org) Visit the [ADA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Center for Dentists](https://success.ada.org/en/practice-management/patients/infectious-diseases-2019-novel-coronavirus?utm_source=hspage&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=CovidMonograph)   --- *The JADA+ COVID-19 Monograph intends no endorsement of the content of the entries, or the views or opinions of the authors that are expressed therein. Furthermore, the JADA+ COVID-19 Monograph makes no representations or warranties about the information and opinions set forth in the entries, over which the JADA+ COVID-19 Monograph asserts only editorial, and no substantive control in any way.*   © 2021 American Dental Association **