Photography students from Activate Learning’s Bracknell and Wokingham College have taken inspiration from their life in lockdown to create works of art.

The images cover aspects of the lives that people across the UK are currently encountering in the coronavirus crisis - from positive moments in times of uncertainty, to the loneliness that many face and the impact of the lockdown on creativity.

The students, all in their second year of their photography BTEC level 3 extended diploma, have taken the pictures since their college campus closed on 20 March. They have been learning remotely since 23 March. 

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Nicholas Brewer, photography tutor from Activate Learning, said: “The importance of culture has never been more obvious with all the books, films or videos read, made or watched during lockdown.  

“Our second-year photography students have responded with an eclectic mix showing their imagination, technical ability and proactive attitude.  

“The students’ response speaks volumes about their creativity and desire to succeed. Resourcefulness is a quality I have encouraged since early on in the course and throughout. The students’ ability to cultivate this asset is evident in the most imaginative and appropriate way.” 

Art inspired by coronavirus lockdown

Lucy Abbott, 21, from Bracknell: “My photograph of my brother Jensen pointing at something highlighted the importance of family to me in the current pandemic. I thought that Jensen pointing could mean that he is telling everyone something, like, ‘Stay home and be safe.’” 

Josh Duffy, 21, from Wokingham, said: “The tone set in my photograph is to show the feeling of freedom slowly draining away just like the colour of the world. Being confined and not being able to leave your home to reach loved ones and people you care about.  

“The picture depicts the boredom and the sadness everyone is feeling while they stare out the window wishing the world would go back to normal so they can escape the invisible boxes that we must create to protect everyone and ourselves.”  

Jacinta McCabe, 17, from Reading: “Since being in lockdown I’ve felt quite stuck with my creativity - it’s like I had hit a wall - so I decided to look on Pinterest and Google for inspiration and it helped a lot.  

“I decided to do a photoshoot of myself and my sister and I am very pleased with the outcome. These photographs represent my limitations in lockdown; for example, no lighting and restrictions with models and areas.” 

Chris Cooper, 20, from Reading, said: “I am sure that under the lockdown requirements society has never used this piece of equipment, the whisk, more. Society will be learning and perfecting the craft of baking and delight of such a simple object. “This photograph heroes the whisk and the much-needed distractions it continues to bring.”