I heard her voice shift towards the spectrum of sorrow.
Yesterday, a woman who was standing in line behind me to take a PCR COVID-19 test was speaking to her friend over the phone. Upset with her circumstance she started to tell her friend that she was to spend Christmas isolated. I could see the tears through the voice my ears heard.
One week ago, I packed up my life and ventured over to Melbourne, Australia. Yes, I ventured to the opposite side of the world. Australia requires a three day mandatory quarantine. All newcomers are to take a PCR test within one day of arrival as well as between the five to seven day span to ensure that they did not bring the virus to their country. Yesterday I was in line to take my second test - in anticipation of receiving my second negative test.
While waiting in line, I heard the conversation of the person behind me in frustration and sadness. She rather calmly expressed frustration that her housemate tested positive for COVID-19, and now she was to spend seven days in quarantine, to spend Christmas alone.
Having spent the holidays quite alone for the past few years I have quite gotten used to isolation during these times. Hearing her conversation, it reminded me that for many being along for the holidays is tragic. To want to see people, to want to feel the embrace of loved ones, and have that privilege ripped from you, is something to mourn. This experience reminded me of the tragedies of forced isolation, and hence I decided to do a self-portrait mini shoot dedicated to how people may be feeling during forced quarantine.
So this is for you,
my friends who experienced the internal challenges associated with the circumstance of being isolated, in a world where we live for connection.
Quarantined.
People have shared with me the following which occurred due to quarantine: Depression - lack of motivation, low energy, social anxiety - difficulty to talk to others, loneliness.
Whatever you experienced, and whatever you are currently working through due to living through such an unexpected yet mammoth challenge, you are most likely holding hands metaphorically with somebody who is working through similar difficulties today. Please hold that hand gently. Please be kind to yourself, to that person who you don’t know - but maybe one day will know.
Some people, myself included have grown tremendously internally from this prolonged time of self-isolation. For me, thanks to the support of a wonderful therapist I took the time of isolation to dig deep within to address parts of myself which I did not know needed detangling. I also should share that as somebody who leans more towards introversion, isolation was far more comfortable than my extroverted counterparts. Each went through their own unique experience, and yours is valid.
If you need a listening ear, some of us here are eager to share that burden.
Photos shot on my digital camera, using a timer. 35mm lens.
For photography, I am planning to do more creative shoots as I meet more models upon settling down a little better here in my new home. I am still open to elopements and portraits but only during specific months this year. Feel free to contact for details.
Cheers,
Masumi