This hybrid work of text and image combines art with science communication in respect of a specific piece of scientific research: ‘The costs and benefits of primary prevention of zoonotic pandemics’.

Zoonotic Disease Spending features text based on the findings of this paper, published during the Covid-19 pandemic on 4 Feb 2022, in Vol. 8, Issue 5 of Science Advances. It can be read in full on the publisher’s webpage, where it is also available for free download as a pdf.

The abstract reads:

“The lives lost and economic costs of viral zoonotic pandemics have steadily increased over the past century. Prominent policymakers have promoted plans that argue the best ways to address future pandemic catastrophes should entail "detecting and containing emerging zoonotic threats." In other words, we should take actions only after humans get sick. We sharply disagree. Humans have extensive contact with wildlife known to harbor vast numbers of viruses, many of which have not yet spilled into humans. We compute the annualized damages from emerging viral zoonoses. We explore three practical actions to minimize the impact of future pandemics: better surveillance of pathogen spillover and development of global databases of virus genomics and serology, better management of wildlife trade, and substantial reduction of deforestation. We find that these primary pandemic prevention actions cost less than 1/20th the value of lives lost each year to emerging viral zoonoses and have substantial cobenefits.”

While the text of Zoonotic Disease Spending reflects the content and findings of this paper, its visual forms are derived from reworkings of this text in paper transfer lithography, calligraphy, and Letraset, in combination with elements of biomorphic abstraction.

Jennie Cole, Zoonotic Disease Spending (2023)
Two original works on paper, with giclée print copies:

Jennie Cole, ‘Zoonotic Disease Spending 1A’ (2023)
Original painting over print using paper transfer lithography, with text overlay of white letraset and paint (pictured above, at left).

Details:
An original work on paper by Jennie Cole. Made in London, 2023.

Measures 380 x 279 mm.

All lettering refers to scientific research: paper referenced at base of image.

Media:
Acrylic paint, over print using paper transfer lithography, from laser prints of handwritten and digitally altered text design.

On 300gsm Stonehenge Aqua Watercolour Paper (Cold Press - US: CP; UK: NOT).

Text overlay of letraset and paint pen text in white. Overlay lettering basis in Letraset: Helvetica and Franklin Gothic, hand-finished in paint.

Jennie Cole, ‘Zoonotic Disease Spending 2B’ (2023)
Original painting over print using paper transfer lithography, with text overlay of white letraset and paint (pictured above, at left).

Details:
An original work on paper by Jennie Cole. Made in London, 2023.

Measures 380 x 279 mm.

All lettering refers to scientific research: paper referenced at base of image.

Media:
Acrylic paint, over print using paper transfer lithography, from laser prints of handwritten and digitally altered text design.

On 300gsm Stonehenge Aqua Watercolour Paper (Cold Press - US: CP; UK: NOT).

Text overlay of letraset and paint pen text in white. Overlay lettering basis in Letraset: Helvetica and Franklin Gothic, hand-finished in paint.