Still Life
“In these past months, all of our lives have been uprooted and brought to a grinding halt. The pandemic has encroached on virtually every aspect of our existence, though its consequences vary. Even though those of us who are lucky enough to be at home are assured with a sense of familiarity, we have been confronted with times that are unprecedented and push us all out of our comfort zone - a zone I left when I decided to do a project documenting the experience of me and my family during COVID-19.
Turning the lens around onto you and your loved ones, especially in a time of personal and global hardship, is a vulnerable and personal experience. I tried my best to capture the essence of my own quarantine: sometimes heavy, sometimes light-hearted, and painted with uncertainty, stress, and grief. I chose moments over the past months that represent different aspects of a life confined, as well as the little moments of solace from the stress of the world. In these times, seeing, touching and creating stories from a struggle similar to my own has been an important reminder that I am not isolated in my experience. Here is my story.”
Photographer Devin Santikarma, United States
In light of our local skate-park being closed. I would meet up with my friend at his local basketball court, setting up obstacles and partaking in one of my only habitual physical activities that didn’t change while staying six feet apart.
I shot on a roll of expected color negative film, creating an effect symbolic of how the colors of my life have changed hues
Since most of my extended family lives in different parts of the world, we decided to throw routine virtual dance parties in an effort to bring up all our spirits. My nana usually watched along.
My nuclear family lives with my grandmother. As such, we have taken precautions to avoid going out as much as possible. We’ve ordered our groceries and produce online since March.
““I tried my best to capture the essence of my own quarantine: sometimes heavy, sometimes light-hearted, and painted with uncertainty, stress, and grief.””
One of my favorite parts of living in virginia is our garden and how surrounded by greenery we are. My whole family has took to working on our quarantine garden in an effort to sustain ourselves as much as we can. Here is my sister picking from our cherry tree.
“Turning the lens around onto you and your loved ones, especially in a time of personal and global hardship, is a vulnerable and personal experience.”
In these times, seeing, touching and creating stories from a struggle similar to my own has been an important reminder that I am not isolated in my experience.
