Week 1: Distancing, With.
In the first chapter of our isolation, we are confronted by who we are isolated with. Partner, family, roommate, pet, or living alone: there is no hiding from the reality of who you live with. This exhibition explores the relationships inside your home, the social without the distance, and how these dynamics shift when in quarantine.
Curated by Pam Marlene Taylor and Kaylan Buteyn.
Click photos below to see more detail.
Who do you live with and how are your relationship dynamics changing or staying the same with those people during social distancing?
Megan Wynne: I live with my husband and our three kids ages 1, 7, and 9. My husband is an elementary art teacher so he’s been home with us while school has been out for the kids. All of us have been working so hard before this, my husband is super busy since he’s in his first year of teaching, and I have been at home in our new house trying to get everything unpacked and set up by myself (but with a toddler who won’t let me get anything accomplished) and it’s been really stressful. Since everyone is out of school we’ve had a lot of family time that we couldn’t have had before. I recently told my friend that it’s been the first time in a while I’ve been able to feel like a parent and not a manager of employees that kind of suck at their jobs. We are going on a family walk later today, and it would have been summertime before I could have made that happen before the pandemic. I’ve also had so much more time to get things straight in the house. I’m very scared about a lot of things but I’m inspired by my kids (like always) to keep me present, entertained, and busy doing things that really matter.
Melissa Loney: Two weeks ago, I lived with my three best friends; however, due to my college moving classes online, I have been required to move back home for the remainder of the school year. As graduating college seniors, we all knew this era was coming to an end. However, it feels like any hope of closure has been obliterated. Our final moments together in the home that we built have been fragmented, and I feel the need to recall the time that we have lost nostalgically.
Lex Marie: I live with my 2-year-old son, Aiden. The dynamics of my household have stayed pretty much the same as we practice social distancing, however, I have made a few changes to our schedule. Bedtime seems to keep moving further and further back, intentionally, so he will no longer wake up at 6 AM everyday like we'd normally do when I have to teach. The school I teach at in the mornings has moved to "distant learning" (online) giving me the chance to wake up and make us breakfast and smoothies and enjoy outside together. Though what’s going on in the world is a tragedy, I have thoroughly enjoyed this TIME to be more present for and with my son.
Megan White: I live with my roommate of two years and close friend, along with her cat and mine. The biggest change is our near constant interaction, an abnormality with our busy schedules. I think in some ways our current situation is mirroring that of our cats - stuck inside a house with little say in the matter, learning how to best coexist, further discovering each others’ daily habits. Regardless of any challenges that may arise, I find solace in knowing I have good company, and I hope my company feels the same.