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  • Feature

Building a Photographic Community in a Lockdown?

Intermural: Between the walls

Jul 29, 2021
by Brian Adams
Brian Adams My father Ron Adams (2020) Digital photographALL IMAGES COURTESY THE ARTIST

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have spread far and wide, changing the way we live, work and create. It has forced us to go inwards, physically and spiritually, as we reposition ourselves in a world turned upside down. A year on, we asked four Inuit photographers what the pandemic has meant for them in their personal life and their practice. Brian Adams, the cover artist of our Interiors issue recounts his experience in words and photos:

AdamsBrianEllisLookingOutTheFrontDoorAtTheBeginningOfLockdown

Brian Adams Ellis looking out the front door at the beginning of lockdown (2020) Digital photograph

I love my little home. I have only been here a few years, but as a photographer who works primarily remotely, it’s been a nice home to come back to (with amazing light).

Since the pandemic, the home has been much more lived in and it shows.

AdamsBrianAfterGivingMySelfAHaircut

Brian Adams After giving my self a haircut at home (2020) Digital photograph

My daughter and I have been spending a lot of time taking care of the garden and it’s been fun spending time with her out there.

AdamsBrianSummerFromTheFrontPorch

Brian Adams Summer from the front porch (2020) Digital photograph

When I first moved into my house, I wanted it to feel kind of like a photography gallery. I spent a lot of time building a photography collection from photographers that I love and collecting books. Throughout the pandemic, I have really appreciated having those around.

AdamsBrianElliottAndEllisWatchingMeShovelSnowInDecember

Brian Adams Elliott and Ellis watching me shovel snow in December (2020) Digital photograph

Being locked down during this pandemic has also really helped me appreciate the photographic community that we have been working to build for years now. I meet virtually on a regular basis with my teams at Indigenous Photograph and the 400 Years Project.

Those relationships have helped me stay focused and looking towards the future.

AdamsBrianBirdsOutsideOfTheFrontOfOurHouse

Brian Adams Birds outside of the front of our house (2020) Digital photograph

I have learned that through community, relationships and support, a photographer can make exceptional and impactful work.




This Feature was originally published in the Summer 2021 issue of the Inuit Art Quarterly.



Read and see the photos from the rest of the series: 

How an Inuit Photographer Found Comfort Inside During a Global Pandemic

Why Taqralik Partridge Refocused on Home During COVID-19

Processing Change in a Pandemic Using Photography