Flashpoint Extra: Philly artist goes viral for documenting social distancing

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A King of Prussia-based artist is making headlines for his documentation of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and one of his images has gone viral.

"A part of me said this is history because he is doing something that is healing the world right now in our most darkest time," said artist Chuck Styles.

Styles is known for colorful artwork depicting the images of African American pop culture icons. 

Being in High School I had a few things to look forward to. Getting fresh for my prom!! And finally graduating with my friends to take the next step in life! To all my young future leaders out here, please do not let this crisis strip you of your hard work, academic accomplishments, and determination to change the world. _____________________________ I plan on working on a series of pieces depicting this time period in human history. We as artists document moments like these for future generations to learn from and reflect on generations from now. __________________________ "Class of Quarantined 2020" by @chuckstyless www.artofchuckstyles.com --Please Wash your Hands. Self Quarantine. & Stay Safe -- #wewillbeatcovid #covid_19 #coronavirus #newnormal

A post shared by C H U C K. S T Y L E S (@chuckstyless) on Mar 30, 2020 at 3:35pm PDT

So it was no surprise that when DJ D-Nice held a global dance party live on Instagram, spinning hip hop for more than 100,000 fans including Michelle Obama and Quincy Jones, Styles got an idea.

"It felt like we're really in the same space and we were miles away from one another," he said.

Styles took a screenshot of the image of D-Nice with his signature fedora and spent all night creating art that depicts D-Nice spinning a turntable on the globe with a facemask,  donning headphones with his hand in the air, and hearts all around him.

"The hearts represent the likes and the love that you can share on someone's Instagram live feed."

I'm Not Making Art. I'm CREATIVELY DOCUMENTING HISTORY. -- _______________________ Thank you to everyone that shared! We are in this together! ---- #madewithgoodvibesonly #chuckstyles #clubquarantine #dnice #livehealing www.artofchuckstyles.com

A post shared by C H U C K. S T Y L E S (@chuckstyless) on Mar 23, 2020 at 3:55pm PDT

D-Nice shared the animated art, which got hundreds of thousands of views. And that piece is just part of a broader work documenting the world during this quarantine and social distancing.

As we try to wrap our heads around a new reality taking form, children will come to know a new world we older adults have never experienced. Get up, brush your teeth, wash your face, and get ready to video chat with your teacher and class as you maintain safe social distance all while we the parents try to comfort them that everything will be OK. ______________________________ I plan on working on a series of pieces depicting this time period in human history. We as artists document moments like these for future generations to learn from and reflect on generations from now. __________________________ "Good Morning Class" by @chuckstyless www.artofchuckstyles.com --Please Wash your Hands. Self Quarantine. & Stay Safe -- #wewillbeatcovid #covid_19 #coronavirus #newnormal

A post shared by C H U C K. S T Y L E S (@chuckstyless) on Mar 18, 2020 at 3:44pm PDT

"I didn't want to make them feel sad. I just wanted to show the perseverance through this new reality," Styles added.