Created during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, this series reflects on a moment when human movement was abruptly restricted and familiar public spaces became inaccessible. Parks and forests, normally treated as freely available extensions of everyday life, suddenly appeared distant and forbidden.
While people were confined to their homes, nature was briefly released from constant human presence. I photographed this temporary suspension on private property, observing vegetation as it continued to grow, expand and reclaim space without regard for the crisis unfolding around it.
The series considers the fragile relationship between restriction, absence and regeneration. It asks whether our renewed awareness of nature can endure beyond a moment of fear—or whether it will disappear as soon as ordinary life returns.
March–April 2020, Poland
All photographs were made on private property.
All photographs were made on private property.
All works from this series are available as limited-edition archival pigment prints (edition of 3 + 1 AP), in two sizes: 100 × 65 cm and 60 × 40 cm. For enquiries: info@tomekalbin.com