The space we used to fill
A digitally curated collection, 2020
Cover photo by CNS photo/ AP Associated Press
In the weeks and months of quarantine, spaces that were once bustling with the sounds of footsteps and chatter have become quiet and still. This is especially visible in once-vibrant venues from supermarkets, to churches, and sports venues.
Almost like missing pieces of a puzzle, the absence of humanity becomes shockingly visible in these photographs captured from various perspectives across the world.
A Catholic priest, Father Klose, prays as he celebrates Palm Sunday Mass in the absence of parishioners due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. "This is the second time in my life when I celebrate a mass during which there are no parishioners. The first time occurred almost 40 years ago when martial law was imposed in communist Poland," Father Klose explained. Chorzow, Poland. April 5, 2020.. Arek Rataj
NBL Grand Final Series between the Perth Wildcats and the Sydney Kings at the RAC Arena. Perth, Australia. March 13, 2020. Will Russell / Getty Images
As the Gran Teatre del Liceu theater reopened its doors, its seats have been filled with plants from local nurseries, for a live online performance by the UceLi string quartet. Barcelona, Spain. June 22, 2020. Emilio Morenatti / AP
Pope Francis delivers blessings at the window of the library of the Apostolic Palace overlooking an empty St Peter's Square. Rome, Italy. March 15, 2020. CNS photo / AP Associated Press
A lone diner in in Beijing, China. Gilles Sabrié / The New York Times
Rehearsal in Moscow, Russia. Sergey Ponomarev / The New York Times
Wedding during the time of quarantine. San Francisco, California, USA. April 27, 2020. Vicens Forns
“What I found alluring at this period in time were the neon and illuminated signage. These signs are often symbols of gleaming business success. They call out to a passers-by, inviting them inside, to explore the products within. However during this time, while the city or town has come alive by the signs, the sign often leads to nowhere.” Chinatown and Carvel, Bridgehampton. NY, USA. May 2020. Jennifer Deppe Parker.
The photographers
This exhibition is a curation of known professional photographers, as well as images taken by everyday people, capturing the realities of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photographs have been curated from news sources as well as social channels.