Photographic work here is sourced from class-collective photographic conversations and is now resequenced to create a new narrative
A Quarantine Story
A Quarantine Story narrates a relatable tale for numerous young adults during this COVID-19 pandemic. The first image of the sequence sets the scene of the pandemic in Pittsburgh, with a popular movie theatre relaying the message of temporary closure and well wishes of safety. An empty airplane and arrival into suburbs moves the story back to ‘home,’ where left behind childhood possessions meet an empty, unpacked suitcase, showing the performance of this sudden transplant. First signs of social contact are revealed with a friendly wave across the street, dually reminding of the social distancing in place that is then reinforced in the narrative by the subsequent picture. The narrative then moves to a phase where quarantine is clearly in effect, with time passing by and the severity of distancing measures in the outside world heightening as the story begins to dive into the endless bounds of boredom and depression of isolation. The subject, during this time, begins to reflect, dreaming and yearning of the freedom that is hopefully to come.
This narrative that is told throughout the sequence is what ties the photographs together into the cohesive reflection of an human experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The photographs in the first half of the sequence, where a quarantine wasn’t necessarily expressed yet, is almost devoid of human subjects whereas the second half of photographs show plenty of life. Commentary on this contrast between the direct visual of pictures themselves and the meaning put on them when carrying the overall narrative is interesting. Perhaps regular life isn’t as conducive to social connection as we like to perceive? Freedom and isolation are not necessarily opposite phenomenons. When the rhythms of freedom and normal life are taken away, perhaps this is when we remember most to reach out? If a lesson can be learned from this period of social distancing, perhaps it is to remember to hug your family and friends a little tighter once the pandemic ends.
Photographer Credits: In order of appearance
1. Leah Kendrick 2. Mia Keyser 3. Xin Chen 4. Tanvi Harkare 5. Leah Kendrick 6. Mia Keyser 7. Leah Kendrick 8. Breyden Wood 9. Ava Schieferstein 10. Ava Schieferstein 11. Adrian Abedon 12. Mia Keyser 13. Mia Keyser
MythMi3 Photography 