Inspired by our current events in this time of self-isolation, social distancing and quarantine, I felt compelled to explore a bit deeper the notions of what confinement really means to each of us individually, as the news - as well as our personal conversations - are dominated by this world-wide situation.
I question how the degree of feeling isolated, locked in, confined, and blocked relate to and are developed through the space and environment we are contained in. Hence, I experimented with various stages and degrees of confinement in my own house and surroundings, to gauge the intensity and feelings that project would evoke in myself and other viewers of these various situations through my visual documentation.
My findings have lead me to consider the relationship between physical and mental confinement, and how physical confinement does not necessarily confine your headspace. Your mind can still wander, travel, envision, create, be inspired and expand while being stuck in a contained space. The mind can take you on adventures, invent things, and even have relationships with others. Sometimes the best of what you feel or experience is all in your head.
On the other hand, we can all be completely stuck and locked up in our head while in the abundance of nature, in a crowd, your own home or studio.
How much space do you need before you start feeling confined?
Is it a matter of space, square footage, or time? Does it change if there are others present?
How do we stay inspired, and can we inspire and empower others while in physical confinement?
With this work I was trying to push my own comfort threshold, as I experienced and explored the differences of confinement related to space and mind. The photographic documentation shows the various levels of confinement and subsequent discomfort endured throughout the shoot.
