#03: Exchanges from Isolation, and Information Gastro

April 03, 2020

#03: Exchanges from Isolation, and Information Gastro

When the pandemic first started to infiltrate the mainstream press and social media, there was a lack of information on how it would affect Australia. Now it feels as though there is an overwhelming amount of information and the flow of statistics, stories, and announcements are difficult to escape.

This has begged the question; does absorbing information about this pandemic make it any easier to deal with, particularly on a personal level? Of course on a scientific level data collection is fundamental in understanding the virus and developing a vaccine, and on a political level gathering information on businesses and social behaviors will help to assist the government in creating strategies and recovery plans, but for on an individual level does this constant flow of information make it more difficult to deal with psychologically?

On social media important conversations are being had but this also created sensationalism and spread misinformation. The social media algorithms that shape what we see online, favor content that collects engagement. This content is often exaggerated or entirely fictional. Stanford Professor of Communication Jeff Hancock has also said that uncertainty of the coronavirus and lack of personal understanding has also lead people to believe fake news. The mainstream press thus becomes the place to go for valid information, but a lack of other subjects on the news has created mental myopia. Other news stories, unrelated to corona feel strangely inconsequential and pointless.

This week we have art from Lola Hewison, Lois Vodicka and Lili

Some words from Lola on isolation and her photos

'During this time of 'social distancing' and isolation, I have found that for a lot of us, we are becoming gradually more attuned to our surroundings. As we're forced to stay home or within a given place, the space we are in is a space we feel prisoner to. This urge for the 'outside', is inevitably more and more appealing. Going out now, whether that be to walk the dog, to go to the supermarket or even for a drive, I've found that my senses are increasingly focussed on what is around me - for something like art, this is pretty valuable.

It is easy to get caught up in the anxiety of it all, but once you tune into one thing at a time, things get a little simpler. - One thing at a time! -

I've tried to capture that essence of tuning into moments in the every day, but also the inevitable anxiety that comes with a confined space.

sending love to everyone who feels the impending anxiety of isolation.'

'AMERICAN REENACTMENT'

Lois Vodicka

american reenactment from Lois Vodičková on Vimeo.

Some words from Lois on this Video journal (filmed in USA)

'Somewhat desperate declaration of my being there (in the states) - in a very morbid reenactment - I was testing how convincingly I can curate my own experiences and reclaim what I can of a city and country that was tainted by a previously turbulent love life. Along the way, I became equally obsessed with America itself, as an entity, and especially the aesthetic and values of its middle class.'

'SCANS'
Lili Ward