Lockdown photography showcased in new virtual exhibition
‘It was important that this imagery represented a time where creativity still found a way to flourish’
As the world went into lockdown in March 2020, so creatives, many without commissioned work, adapted to finding inspiration within their four walls, or amongst the streets or fields nearest their home. ‘With photographic shoots in our industry coming to a pause we wondered what we could do to harness some of that talent,’ says Robin Harvey, ECD at 360 degree creative agency Spring, which boasts studio spaces in London and New York.
Inspired by the Hungarian photographer André Kertész, who moved to New York in 1936, and only shot images from his Central Park-facing apartment window, Harvey initiated Spring’s #shotathome project, a visual series of images featured on the agency’s Instagram, featuring shots of lockdown life, submitted by renowned photographers worldwide. The offering includes Mark Seliger’s shot of the hospital ship USNS Comfort, sitting in New York’s port, from the window of his West Village home, alongside Julian Broad’s photograph of a misty morning from a remote Cabin in Wales, lensed at 5am to the sound of chirping ravens. ‘It was important that this imagery represented a time where creativity still found a way to flourish,’ Harvey says. ‘It was interesting to see what became inspiring when you removed the industry construct.’
‘The photo comes from a series of shots taken while stuck in Mexico City during the first lockdown,’ says Paolo Zerbini of the knick knacks-focused image he submitted for #stayathome. ‘These objects filled the window of a kiosk and they reminded me of when I was a child. It has a strong evocative power’. Zerbini spent additional time writing during and working on personal projects when the world shut down, also ensuring he stuck to an exercise routine. ‘You should try my curry now!' he adds. ‘It's pretty good!'
Now, in celebration of Spring’s #stayathome project, the company has launched a virtual gallery of its most moving and inspiring images. It has been designed in collaboration with 3D and AR innovators Change of Paradigm, with a digital space evoking the clean and industrial aesthetic of Spring’s physical studios. ‘We wanted to recreate our space in New York to house the gallery, home to so many events over the years,’ Harvey explains. ‘CGI capabilities are continually evolving and opening up more and more possibilities and creative freedom in an industry that demands more and more content and new ways of looking.’ The project culminates in an online sale, with all proceeds being donated to the British Fashion Council, and its Covid-19 relief incubator, the BFC Foundation Fashion Fund.
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
The Volkswagen Passat is a sober, straight edged estate car that feels increasingly out of time
Why would anyone pass on a Passat? Volkswagen’s big load lugger proves that the old ideas are still the best
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Italian designer Enrico Marone Cinzano fuses natural perfection with industrial imperfection
Enrico Marone Cinzano's first solo show at New York’s Friedman Benda gallery debuts collectible furniture designs that marry organic materials with upcycled industrial components
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Tom Wesselmann’s enduring influence on pop art goes under the spotlight in Paris
‘Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann &...’ is on view at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris until 24 February 2025
By Ann Binlot Published
-
Michael Craig-Martin turns Covid-era objects into icons
Irish artist Michael Craig-Martin confronts a new age of consumer culture, putting his striking, bold-coloured spin on objects defining the times
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Last updated
-
Artist Support Pledge one year on: is it here to stay?
There has been one year of #artistsupportpledge, the Instagram initiative that brought income to artists in times of turbulence, and art to collectors at accessible prices. We caught up with founder, artist Matthew Burrows to find out how ASP turned from short term solution to global movement.
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Last updated
-
Best foot forward: Manu Atelier on aesthetic evolution during crisis
The Turkey-based accessory label on the impact of Covid-19 and the importance today of timeless wardrobe staples
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Photographer Camilo José Vergara reveals the pandemic’s lingering effects
Organised by the National Building Museum, Vergara’s online photo exhibition, ‘Documenting Crossroads: The New Normal’ shows the toil and tenacity of impoverished communities recovering from the pandemic
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated