Just Enough Distance.

Just Enough Distance

Photography for Unsettling Times.

Little England

In April 2021 policy analysts defined the era we are living in as one of perma-crisis. Many people will ascribe the genesis of this era to Brexit while others will cite the pandemic. This image from 2019 pre-empts the problems that followed leaving the European Union but also the stance taken by the British Government in their mismanagement of the Covid crisis. This resulted in 218,000 deaths. For many a ‘Little England’ mentality defined the pandemic its aftermath.

Waiting

One of my most vivid memories from lockdown. An elderly neighbour has brought her chair out into the street and is waiting. Waiting for someone to pass by and talk or maybe just needing to be outside. For me this image speaks of that brief period of possibility when many people felt a strong sense of community and care. The image is in stark contrast to later all too familiar images of masked, frightened elderly people trapped in care homes. 

Normality

At the start of the pandemic windows displayed rainbows, thank you NHS posters and generally reassuring positive information. As frustration with restrictions grew the tone of these messages changed. They spoke of divisions and the inevitable impact on businesses. This window with its ad-hoc signs alongside tired official social distancing directives reflects how tired we were with ever changing rules that were only partially being enforced or adhered to.

Back to School

Schoolgirls dancing at Hastings Station seemingly completely carefree. Young people’s interrupted education and their mental health has been a significant concern both through the pandemic and in its aftermath. This was a moment when their sense of freedom seemed to be all that mattered.

Business as Usual

Empty and abandoned shops have become such a familiar backdrop we pass by without noticing. Despite the To Let signs and the shops optimistic name I felt there was a bleakness here that has become normalised.

Who is Watching ?

Constant surveillance and the ever-present CCTV camera have become an accepted part of the urban landscape. I was struck by this figure in the window and the warning of being watched. After the pandemic the streets are quieter, and most people are accustomed to being indoors more. I felt this image conveyed that sense of being watched even when there is nothing to see.

Christmas

Christmas 2022, the streets are lit up and the pubs are full, but the faces are tense. This image was a reminder of the dilemma’s families faced during the pandemic. The general view was families must be able to be together for Christmas even if there was a high price to pay in terms of spreading infection.

Going Nowhere

December 2022. Strikes reminiscent of the 1970s. Key services broken. This image conveys the normalisation of services not working as they should. We live with an ever present sense of uncertainty.