Stories From My Staircase Episode 2

personal projectdocumentary

Apr 8

Written By Julia Malinowska

Documentary Photo Project: “Stories From My Staircase”, Barcelona by Julia Malinowska

When the Covid-19 pandemic started, most of us locked ourselves in our homes, losing ourselves in the virtual world.

We focused on our families and friends, perhaps hundreds of kilometers away. The lack of physical contact with loved ones we tried to replace with long video chats, our lives moved to the Internet. The chaos of the virtual world began to govern its own laws, participation in every interesting online event was a substitute for life before the virus, a reality we knew and felt safe in.

I started to deal with this unknown situation by visiting my closest neighbours. Simple questions, sincere intentions to help and kindness prompted me to work on this documentary project.

From unknown people, sometimes passing by in a hurry in the staircase, we became close to each other. Thanks to Social distancing I got to know the people around me, their names, dreams, fears and routines.

Paksha and her son Enzo

my neighbours from first floor

Stories From My Staircase, Barcelona Documentary Photographer

Paksha is from Brazil. I love her soft Brazilian accent. She stopped worrying, especially about things she can't control. She's calm now and she enjoys the silence.

A few years ago, Paksha opened a gallery and wellbeing center - Kaoni a sanctuary of relaxation. After lockdown it might be possible to open it again, might not. She doesn't worry about the future, as nobody knows what will happen when the quarantine is over. She said that she felt a decline in turnover since the beginning of February in her business, a little stagnation, as if waiting for closure.

The vitamins they take recently, which help the body's immunity

Stories From My Staircase_ Barcelona_Julia Malinowska_90.jpg

Enzo is 14 years old and he's full of energy. He has his daily routine. At 8.00 a.m. he starts his school classes on a school platform. Teachers send him various homeworks. Recently he has been working on some drawings for art class. Now he has to take a picture of his work and send it to his art teacher. Enzo out of his savings had bought a boxing kit. It helps him to help spend actively the quarantine.

Paksha loves spending time on her balcony, the view of the blue sky makes her feel positive and gives her energy for the next days.

Kaoni is like her second child. Paksha is Ayurvedic and Body Therapist and she combines therapy with art. Her gallery has always been vibrant with life, she changed exhibitions once a month. She promoted young independent artists. This week, she was supposed to show new works. It makes her sad to see leaves, dust and rubbish gathering next to the entrence to the gallery.

Ingrid and Udina

my neighbours from third floor

Ingrid is from Estonia. She doesn't like pictures. It's too bad... But Udina, her cat, joined the conversation and small photo session with great interest. Ingrid's was making a cheesecake, so we did't speak too much. The next day we found a gift on our doorstep. The cheesecake was delicious and the mask is wonderful.

My neighbours from third floor

Unfortunately, nobody opened me the doors...

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.
”

— Elliott Erwitt

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona, in new reality, I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

lockdownstay at homeCovid-19stories from my staircase

Julia Malinowska