While the number of COVID-19 cases increase each day, the precautions to avoid it become more heavily recommended. It is scary to think that anyone can get this from getting take-out to even standing in a place where it has been in the air. Every time someone brings something from the outside in, a heavy wash has to be applied to all of the objects and even the person to make sure the virus has not stuck on to anything. Currently, most people in my community have remained inside unless it is going out to buy essentials. My friends here have not left their homes in weeks. My mom went grocery shopping and when she came back she had to shower and wash everything that she had bought. Then, I wondered what would happen if we could see the virus? 

My photos have mostly brother and a couple with me doing some normal daily activities and they even include objects that we touch on a normal basis. The paint represents the virus and everywhere we go and touch the virus sticks. The normal things that we would not think in the slightest can be taken away or evidently prohibited, like a high-five or scratching your face shows how easily the virus can spread. I wanted to depict an illusion of the reality that we are facing.

As I mentioned during our class, I wanted to think about what stories have been hidden throughout this uncertain time. I live in a community that has a high population of undocumented migrants, and some of my close friends are undocumented themselves or have family members that are undocumented. Although the labor of undocumented migrants has sustained our food system, the media has not spoken much about how this pandemic is impacting migrant workers that help to pick crops. The work these migrants do is essential to keep us all comfortable, yet they will not have access to the monumental federal aid package that will be implemented soon. I wanted to highlight these stories and contradictions.

A theme that comes up throughout my collection is how our hands interact with the world around us. This pandemic has made us constantly think about our hands and what germs and bacteria exists in them. We are not supposed to touch our faces or shake hands, and we must wash our hands constantly and throughly. Our hands are also used for labor, prayer, among other things.

As time progresses and religious holy days approach, I started to think more about the importance of Easter and faith, especially during the global pause that CO-VID 19 has caused. My family, the majority of family friends, have a strong hold on faith that I can see both at home and around our community.

At home, I have noticed how my parents, regular Sunday mass-goers, have turned to prayer. Everyday there is a regular time for gathering and praying, as well as tuning in for the daily services held by Pope Francis in Rome.

Around my neighborhood I have also noticed how religion is an important part life for many other families. From Lenten and Easter decorations and symbols of faith on houses, front yards, windows… I appreciate the time people take to remind themselves as well as others of the importance of faith, a sign of hope.

I start with a photo of Clinton, my dog, because the virus has been a consistent reminder of how we must stay inside – including him – and do our part even as the days become more pleasant. I’ve tried to then capture moments from rituals I have noticed at home, sights during walks in the neighborhood, the uplifting messages of other neighbors and the hopeful progression of spring. At the moment, I feel the consistency in my family is holding on to the comfort of being together and the realness of our faith as the world tackles the virus.

I decided to dedicate this project to my Nana (great-grandmother) Grace Holman. She lived 95 amazing years and I spoke to her for the last time before she was called home on April 5th. I titled this work Resurrection after death for many reasons as it reflects on the loss of my nana, my spirituality, and Native American Heritage. To make these things real I depicted my emotions, identity and spirituality masked behind very vivid and intense imagery.

My nana was a full-blooded Wampanoag woman who shared her culture with my family and made it known that we should be prideful in who we are. Many people look at me and don’t see this part of my identity despite its great influence on who I am today. I wanted to make this real and visible in these images. Spirituality and connection with the land is a major value within my culture. Although I identify as a Christian, I turn to nature to connect with my ancestors. In nature is where I feel most grounded and connected with them and now her.
As I mourn my great-grandmother’s death, I am also forced to think about my Christian identity as this week is the holy week; marking Jesus’ death and resurrection.

During this time, resurrection after death symbolizes the light at the end of the tunnel. It reminds me that even after great loss, blessings are born. For me, this project has revealed to me the merging of the visible and invisible with spirituality. I have comfort in knowing that my grandmother is always with me and I will one day be with her again. I have hope that this is the fire, but from the ashes, something beautiful will be revealed. I will grow from this and carry on her legacy.