DYSTOPIA
- an imagined state or society in which there is great suffering or injustice, typically one that is totalitarian or post-apocalyptic.
Amidst the Covid 19 crisis, the outside world suddenly feels derelict. Once bustling public spaces are now sparse, or empty. As more and more people self isolate, it feels as though the outside world has just stopped moving. There is a juxtaposition between the chaos and panic over public health, seen in people panic buying, businesses closing down, stricter rules being enforced on people’s movements…… and the stillness of the outside world. Places feel more open, as if there is more air available, more freshness, less pollution.
There is a peaceful quality to a world we are being told is now infectious and dangerous. This reminded me of how derelict buildings are usually associated with haunted houses and horror stories, to scare people away from them. As the days pass during this pandemic, I’m starting to see less and less people outside. It’s both scary and intriguing. As humans start locking themselves inside, the world keeps moving and living, but seemingly slower than usual. The pace of life feels reduced when you take a walk outside. Within the confinement’s of the house, the constant conversations surrounding the virus, the dangers, the consequences, the politics and the future are all anxiety inducing, panic inducing- the simple action of taking a breath of fresh air outside of the house boundaries is liberating. A simple walk along the marina near my house is refreshing, tranquil and reflective. It’s almost a reminder to breathe, to relax in a time of mass worry.
I decided to start documenting this stillness. Taking photos of the empty expanse; buildings and construction work that have been left unattended; desolate walkways… its interesting to see the difference of atmosphere in images of places and spaces that contain less human life than usual.
Moments such as this remind me of the feeling of nostalgia, “a sentimental or wistful affection for a period in the past”.
After the closure of most public spaces such as cafes, restaurants, gyms, universities and schools, etc; it’s powerful looking at how much of your daily life you spend in these places. My daily life has changed significantly. One thing I’ve noticed is how automatically my mind wanders to memories. Memories from recent times, or form years and years ago. Memories of minor encounters with people, or experiences and events I didn’t think had such an impact on me. Each memory creates both happiness and sadness- nostalgia for experiences I wish I could return to. Developing on this further, it’s intriguing to wonder how many of these fleeting moments build up our individual characters- how much of our daily life is stored in our bodies and our minds- we are mirrors and containers for our daily experiences.
Caitlin Noble 