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Uncertain Destiny

2021 Competition entry

Leon Witthuhn

Details:
Not Signed
Photograph
34.5 x 41.5 cm
R1 250

Description:
The photograph was taken during April 2021, after the second wave of Covid-19 infections in South Africa, when we were governed by the regulations of Lockdown Level 1. The image shows ghostly shadows of the patrons of a tavern during the early evening. The evening wind pushes the white canvas inwards, with the evidence of its force all around the sides of the image. Looking through the white canvas the viewer feels excluded from the scene as the identity and actions of the ghost-like people remain uncertain. However, the viewer is pulled into the scene by his/her curiosity to understand what actions are playing out behind the screen. The screen itself reminds the viewer of the facial masks that are a constant barrier to human interaction during the time of the pandemic. The rolled-up canvas at the top of the image resembles rolling clouds often observed during late-afternoon thunderstorms. The image reminds us of the uncertainty of our future due to the unpredictability of the pandemic.