Corona Chronicles, NYC 2020
The Corona pandemic has altered just about every aspect of our lives. From the way we work, socialize, shop, school our children and entertain, to the way we mourn and celebrate. In a fraction of time we were thrown into a new world, one blanketed with a fog of war. Uncertainty and fear swept through every city, town and village across the world. And people did what people do. They panicked, they pointed fingers, took to social media, and they stocked up on alcohol and toilet paper.
As a way to cope with the new reality I’ve been taking to the streets, either on my bike or while walking my dog. I’ve been photographing and documenting whatever catches my eye. Whether it’s the unusually empty streets or vacant NYC sites that are typically packed with life, the last month and a half has been visually different, to say the least.
Mostly, I’ve been drawn to the human condition during this time. This is my NYC Corona Chronicles. This is how I’ve seen New York City in the last several months. The emptiness, isolation, uncertainty and fear. That was the beginning. But, there must always be balance and order to things. Yin and Yang. As time went on, I started to see the different side of New York. The side where people started to come together.
I saw generosity of individuals and companies, delivering groceries and hot meals to people in need and to health workers on the frontlines. I saw the resilience of essential workers who go out every day to deliver our mail, sell us groceries, collect our trash, operate our public transport, care for the ill, and so much more.
I saw random strangers come to hospitals throughout the city every night to show their support for the nurses and doctors that work there. The hotels, that opened their doors to the healthcare workers for the duration of their “tour”. And I saw firefighters and nurses coming together in a prayer or embrace in a hug. Because there is no social distancing for these people. They are on the front lines, shoulder to shoulder every day.
This is the New York I want to remember during this time. The kindness, perseverance, generosity, and resilience of the human spirit. This is the New York and the World state of mind. We will get through this.
Stay safe out there, stay healthy and most importantly be kind to yourselves and others.
