Dear World,

Once you become comfortable with being uncomfortable a new sense of self emerges.

︎

In 2020, the coronavirus created an unprecedented event of mass isolation across the globe. The world retreated to their homes and for the first time the private became public in ways we have never experienced before.

As a photographer I’m used to working with others and like most photographers, I prefer to remain behind the lens. Being stripped of everything familiar I initially experienced a loss of identity and a feeling of grief.

This growing discomfort created the space to take a very real look at myself. With all the busyness gone there was nowhere to hide from all the parts of myself I prefer to keep hidden.

Once you become comfortable with being uncomfortable a new sense of self emerges. Mental health has become an important topic that seems to be a more relatable and universal experience than ever before.

I decided to explore themes of isolation, vulnerability and mental health through a series of self-portraits by becoming vulnerable in front of my own lens


Sincerely,

Vulnerability

About the photographer: Lee-Ann Olwage is a visual storyteller from South Africa. Her work is all about identity, collaboration and celebration.