On 23 January 2020, Wuhan—a major port city of 11 million people in central China—was closed off from the world to prevent the growing spread of the new respiratory illness COVID-19. For almost two months, the city’s residents stood on the frontline of an unprecedented biosecurity emergency, which has led to the largest quarantine in human history.
Using drone technology and on-the-ground recordings, this episode of Portrait of a Place provides a snapshot of the city at the height of China’s self-isolation measures. Insightful voice-overs from the city’s residents describe how the heaving metropolis fell strangely quiet and empty as people were told to stay indoors.
Many filmmakers, photographers and freelance creatives are now trying to adjust to life after the lockdown. NOWNESS got in touch with its community of Chinese creatives to discuss the impact of the pandemic on their work and what this experience has taught the world about the power of ingenuity and resilience.
Chengdu-based drag performer Yihao's artistic response to the outbreak
“Most of my work happens internationally and the virus is affecting all the countries I’m going to,” says Yang Lu, a multimedia artist who has had shows cancelled in India and Australia. “I’ve almost fallen into a depression since the outbreak happened—not just because of my career, but for what is happening to people everywhere.”
As the surreal scenes in this film have now become a reality for millions of individuals around the world, major art institutions, festivals, exhibitions, conferences and sporting events in Europe and North America have been postponed or canceled entirely. But people are showing innovation and resilience in the face of the restrictions.
“Some Chinese designers are transitioning to live streaming shows. Some are even doing CGI fashion videos,” says Dazed China Style Director Mia Kong. “Our creative community will always find ways to collaborate, no matter the situation."
Virtual reality artists Xiaolei Tian and ChillChill used the period of self-isolation to create new work
“Artists and creators are resilient and have become flexible in how they connect with audiences,” says Hong Kong-based artist and curator Joseph Chen. “Releasing work in the digital world makes art more accessible to a broader audience.”
As a result of countries closing their borders to China, the coronavirus outbreak has also led to remarkable levels of creativity from all sectors of society as millions of people take to TikTok, Instagram and Kwai to create and share content online.
“This outbreak brought out the creativity of ordinary Chinese people,” says Hangzhou-based filmmaker Xinyuan Zhenglu. “A moment like this can only exist in history if people are keeping a record of what is really going on. And that’s what the creative community is here for.”
In China, the worst of the outbreak appears to be over as offices, parks and restaurants reopen. Wuhan—previously the epicenter of the global catastrophe—has now become a beacon of hope for cities like New York, Rome, Tehran and London as they prepare for a spike in cases of coronavirus over the coming weeks. Through technology, art, ingenuity and community, Wuhan has set an astonishing precedent for overcoming adversity that has inspired millions around the world.