Artist Statement

2020 has brought all kinds of limitations to people across the world. For myself, this was mirrored through my previous film work which became an issue to produce due to the lack of equipment.

I took the opportunity to make best out of the situation by documenting the Coronavirus lockdown using my iPhone, in my hometown, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Over a period of two months I had taken 61 photos, 3 of which are in colour (NHS related) and, the rest in black and white. From this selection, I have created the series ‘Tarn in Lockdarn’, which is 3 pairs of photos and 8 singulars.

One of these images is ‘See you again soon’ capturing a children’s ride with lifeless shops to either side of it. Towards the back of the photo is the exit to the mall which reads ‘see you again soon'; this quote is a very powerful and emotional current, as it resonates with the millions separated from their loved ones. I have chosen these images as some are visually effective, and others because like this image they have a connection to a wider context of the pandemic.

Altering the title to the town’s phonetic phrasing of town in lockdown is to make this more personally to the locals. I have a keen interest in the feeling of reminisce presented through old photographs, that I see in the Barnsley archives in our town hall. I would hope that my imagery one day will have that same effect on future generations, of a once in a lifetime event.