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THE PROJECT
In 2020, COVID-19 disrupted the lives of people all over the world. From the fear of falling ill, to the awkwardness of social distancing, to the adjustment of working from home or losing a job, our normal routines were upended on many levels.
#OnHoldAtHome was conceived during the first week of lockdown by photographer Tania del Carmen Fernández and creative director Rachel Scott Everett of EVERGIB. Inspired by a social distancing gathering, they joined forces to begin documenting the lives of people in their neighborhood, collecting stories of fears, hopes and lessons learned.
THE TIMELINE
As weeks turned into months, the project expanded to feature people in different neighborhoods, reflecting the diverse community and perspectives that make up the Greater Richmond Region. During this time, the challenges of the pandemic were met with the global rise of protests over George Floyd’s killing, bringing the topic of racial and social inequality front and center.
What began as a project to unite people through shared experiences of sheltering in place has now transformed into a powerful documentation of this historic time in our city and the world at large.
CHAPTER 1
The Lockdown Begins
March 15, 2020 - April 19, 2020
In early March, the first COVID-19 case is reported in Virginia. Governor Northam declares a state of emergency and extensive closures of schools and businesses begin. As we witness the number of cases exponentially increase each week, the dangers of the virus become evident. Face masks and social distancing become the norm and residents are urged to stay at home as much as possible.
CHAPTER 2
Time Loses Meaning
April 19, 2020 - May 24, 2020
Days blur into weeks. Weeks into months. By the end of April, the U.S. reports over 1 million COVID-19 cases. The U.S. economy shrinks by nearly 5% (the steepest drop since the Great Recession in 2008) and unemployment is at nearly 15%. While there’s a general restlessness, people also try to make the most of this rare time when the entire world is paused.
CHAPTER 3
Revolution In The Air
May 24, 2020 - January 20, 2021
In May, the country learns of the senseless killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Protests erupt and the Black Lives Matter movement sweeps the nation. Richmond, Virginia, former capital of the Confederacy, finds itself in the spotlight with the removal of prominent Confederate statues. COVID-19 cases continue to rise, but the topic of racial and social inequality take precedence. In November, our country elects new leadership in a contentious election. Disinformation and conspiracy theories spread, culminating in an assault on our democracy in the new year. Two weeks after the U.S. Capitol insurrection, President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris are sworn into office.
THE PROCESS
We take physical distancing very seriously. During the photography process, all necessary precautions are made to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. A distance of over six feet is kept between the photographer and those being photographed at all times. The process typically takes a half hour.
If you’d like to share your story and/or nominate someone to be featured, please fill out the form below. In these challenging times, the need for connection is more important than ever. This project helps us understand that while we’re alone in many ways, we’re also together at the same time.
You may also schedule a shoot time by clicking on the button below.
SUPPORT OUR PROJECT
The primary purpose of this project is to be a visual document of this unprecedented time in our lives. That said, donations are certainly welcomed and appreciated.