The work of Turkish micro-artist Hasan Kale also forces a re-evaluation of familiar objects. Holding his breath to steady his hand, he paints portraits and landscapes on minuscule oddments such as matchstick heads and apple pips, turning them into what he calls “art capsules”.
Kale’s recent canvases have included a paracetamol tablet and the valve of a surgical face mask, both painted with images of masked health workers as a mark of gratitude for their service to society. A close inspection of the tablet reveals that the masks have not prevented their wearers from communicating a microscopic message on behalf of the artist. “We have seen the harm that we have done to the world,” says Kale. “The coronavirus is an opportunity for us to be better.”
If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Culture, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.
And if you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc.com features newsletter, called The Essential List. A handpicked selection of stories from BBC Future, Culture, Worklife and Travel, delivered to your inbox every Friday.