Quarantine Chronicles: Isolation by Taja Spasskova
© Taja Spasskova
The pandemic of COVID-19 has caused us all to be in fear for our health, to take precautions so that we do not end up sick; we wash our hands consistently, we wear masks and gloves, and we distance ourselves from those we love. However, sometimes we are so focused on keeping our bodies safe from the disease, that we fall victim to to another invisible danger: loneliness
A new series by Prague based photographer Taja Spasskova, portrays the feeling of loneliness that comes with quarantine. People across the world are forced to isolate themselves from family and friends, not knowing the next time they are going to see them again. Isolation can be particularly dangerous for those struggling with mental health; physical contact and interaction with other people is imperative for all human beings and when that is taken away, it can lead to an everlasting feeling of depression.
© Taja Spasskova
Spasskova found herself feeling this kind of heavy loneliness since the beginning; the quarantine had separated Spasskova and her family, who were stuck in Belarus while she was in Prague, and she was unsure the next time she would see them again. A woman named Tia Gronlund was having a similar experience to Spasskova. Gronlund was originally from Canada but due to the pandemic had been stranded in Prague, unable to go back home until the quarantine lifted. The two women shared similar paths and concerns, bringing them together during this uncertain period of time. Spasskova began to shoot Gronlund for the series, feeling as those the two of them had a shared loneliness.
© Taja Spasskova
Spasskova began her series using various objects of significance to this time including facemasks, gloves, and clorox wipes. She particularly used a lot of foil, which she wrapped around Gronlund’s naked body. This foil represents the barrier surrounding people now, preventing people from physical contact. This foil envelops her, covering her face, as isolation does in our life now. One photograph depicts Gronlund huddled in a corner, pushed far back into the frame, covered in foil. This exemplifies the isolation and loneliness that Spasskova wanted to express in her art. The photographs also feature devices like iphones as well as pictures of family and friends. The photographs and iphones represent the only means of communication and connection we have left during this time. We have to rely on our memories and our devices to be with our loved ones.
© Taja Spasskova
Everyone is feeling the affects of COVID-19. The simple things we could once rely on are now gone and we are forced to alter our habits and lives until life gets back to normal. Spasskova’s work depicts loneliness at its realest form, but it also brings hope for a bright future. Spasskova and Gronlund found comfort in each other, knowing that they were not the only ones stranded from their homes. This feeling of loneliness may feel heavy now, but it is not permanent.
Check out more of Taja’s work here
