Isolation Portraits 2 - magazine
Yarra Valley photographer Suzanne Phoenix documents the impact of the coronavirus pandemic restrictions for people in the Upper Yarra with a series of isolation portraits.
Suzanne photographed over 30 households in this second series, at front gates or in gardens, back yards, farm paddocks and even by the pool in line with social distancing rules.
Each household also wrote of their personal experience of self-isolation and this magazine features their own words, unedited alongside their isolation portraits.
This is the second edition in this series documenting the period from 15 May to 30 June 2020.
“The ‘Isolation Portraits’ series started in April 2020 following the arrival of the worldwide pandemic – Coronavirus or COVID-19. I have photographed over 60 households and 100 people where I live in the Upper Yarra Valley, on the very edge of Greater Melbourne. It includes the townships of Don Valley, East Warburton, Gladysdale, Launching Place, McMahons Creek, Millgrove, Powelltown, Reefton, Yarra Junction, Warburton and Wesburn.
‘Isolation Portraits 2’ is the second self publication of this series with photographs created from 15 May to 30 June 2020. People felt different in the second stage of this work. Restrictions were still in place until the end of May, and then relaxed a little in June, but we were still in isolation and encouraged to ‘stay home’. Some people were returning to the workplace and transitioning from home schooling. People seemed to be going back to the usual busyness of their pre-COVID lives. There was less willingness and ability to participate in this project. May people also appeared tired, frustrated, and worn down. I acknowledge that this project does not include many who’s isolation experience was extremely difficult and simply couldn’t participate.
It does continue to shine through however, that the vast majority of households involved loved where they live and are grateful for the space, fresh air and nature.
Just to note, safety precautions and social distancing measures were observed during this time. So most of the photography occurred with outside, at the households front gate, in the backyard or in a paddock with their animals and just a couple through their house window.
Thank you again to all those who trusted me to document their isolation portrait and shared in their own words the personal COVID-19 experience.”
This is the second edition in this series.
Self-published 2020
Size: A4
96 pages
Signed and numbered edition of 100.
ISBN: 9781715185527
Collections:
Australian Queer Archives
National Library of Australia
State Library of Victoria
