The Arc of the Viral Universe: a Notebook Project

Imagine getting to know all of this through words and images, without having to ask a single question, without running the risk of offending, or fearing a disagreement!  Welcome to the “Arc of the Viral Universe” notebooks!  

In early 2020, Arc-ivist, Carla Rae Johnson was busy scheduling exhibitions for the “Arc of the Moral Universe” notebooks, as news of the threat of a worldwide pandemic emerged.  By the end of March, it was apparent that a sequel to the first notebook project was called for to create unique, personal accounts of a world turned inside-out by isolation, sickness, fears, deaths, doubts, rumors, lies, and political turmoil.  Then, the murder of George Floyd, the spotlight on systemic racism, nationwide protests, monuments being toppled, a crucial presidential election, our democracy challenged, and an insurrection mounted against our nation’s capital magnified the historic moments of 2020-21. 

30 plus notebooks have been created in response to the call for the “Arc of the Viral Universe.” The notebooks reveal the musings, passions, concerns, and dreams of artists, writers, and creative thinkers who have shared our world and have survived these challenging times.