The taste of salt

The project was inspired by Japanese photographers of the 1970s and heavily influenced by my experience of isolation during the pandemic. I employs a multi-narrative structure that explores themes related to memory, family, love, friendship and loss.

It’s been 893 days since I left my home in China and moved to the UK. The restrictions brought on by the pandemic stretch like an endless wall separating me from my family, friends and lovers. I feel trapped on this island, in this room, in this body, unable to resist or break free. My memories of what my home looks like are diminishing and the familiar faces are fading.

 

Searching for respite, I start walking towards the coast. Wandering around the edges and looking out to sea, the light, the sounds, the smells and the taste of salt in the wind  remind me of home. The hypnotic waves roll into familiar scenes and memories from my past begin to emerge. For a moment, I seem to return to where I belong, but I know it’s just an illusion and that it will eventually dissipate like the tide leaving me standing alone to walk on this endless shoreline.

In this project, I intertwine observational documentary with the creation of images and use symbolism and metaphorical techniques to utilise visual reflection on this traumatic but far-reaching period of my life. All of the photographs for the project are done on black and white film and are printed and experimented with in the darkroom.

 

Although this is a highly personal project, the pandemic is a collective experience and I hope that through my images the viewer can take stock, reflect and heal as I have.