Photographer: Kirra Cheers | Shop
“Despite the fear and anxiety, I felt like this was an opportunity for me to produce a body of work that spoke to the moment. I create work that studies sexuality and connection within a modern world. ‘Seclude in the Nude’ is my documentation of intimacy during an unprecedented period of isolation. The images capture a need for people to feel seen and connected to one another despite and because of the necessity for social distancing. From a personal perspective, it can be hard to be creative amidst so much uncertainty. The project has given me purpose and structure as the days have a tendency to blur together. Connecting with people in this manner has been a surreal experience that I feel is reflected in the images. I hope that the body of work serves as a time capsule to remember this moment in history.
During this difficult time, I am participating in the artist support pledge and selling prints from the project at reduced prices. I will be splitting the profits from the print sales with the people I photographed. Furthermore, for every $1000 in print sales, I pledge to buy other artists work of the same value.”
The project is ongoing. If you are in NYC and would like to be photographed, please get in touch.
I have been able to find ways to continue performing shows virtually on various online platforms and it is an experience and outlet that I am truly grateful for.
I wanted to participate in Seclude in the Nude because I enjoy finding new ways to continue connecting and creating with people to make art together during the quarantine. Also because I like doing anything that includes getting naked!” – @theblueeyedbombshell for ‘Seclude in the Nude’
Stacey @elegant_dirtbag is a mum of three and a student in surgical technology. She is currently working on the front line as a unit secretary in the CCU (coronary critical care unit) which has been converted into an ICU unit for COVID patients for the past month. She told me that posing for my ‘Seclude in the Nude’ project was “the craziest thing she’s done sober”. @elegant_dirtbag for ‘Seclude in the Nude’
This is an experience that has forced me to pick apart and examine every facet of my life. I have learned the value of routine, intention, and accepting that things can only be taken day by day. The world has changed, and I can’t help but be curious about the world we will walk back out into.”
Quarantine has been especially hard for me because my passion relies so much on interpersonal communication through nonverbal language. I constantly engage my audience and demand engagement from them.
I am following the lockdown guidelines and taking this very seriously. But I have to admit, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions over the past 7 weeks being stuck inside. I spiral in and out of depression due to the lack of human interaction and the ever-looming uncertainty of my next source of income. Being a performance artist, I’m used to having multiple jobs because losing a gig is part of the entertainment culture. I was always confident that if I ever had no work I could always fall back on my best skill and passion- mime. It’s easy to make rent on the streets of NYC as a mime (it’s just long days and hard physical work) but I never imagined I wouldn’t be allowed in the streets to perform.
I feel like a failure even though I’ve spent ten years using this skill to make people happy and entertained. I’m taking it one day at a time, but the reality is, I’m actually stuck in my apartment box in NYC and I can no longer afford to pay for the box that I’m being told to stay in until it’s safe. Ironic; I used to really love the imaginary box but it just feels different when it’s tangible and real in quarantine.” – @themisfitmime for ‘Seclude in the nude’
Quarantine has been especially hard for me because my passion relies so much on interpersonal communication through nonverbal language. I constantly engage my audience and demand engagement from them.
I am following the lockdown guidelines and taking this very seriously. But I have to admit, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions over the past 7 weeks being stuck inside. I spiral in and out of depression due to the lack of human interaction and the ever-looming uncertainty of my next source of income. Being a performance artist, I’m used to having multiple jobs because losing a gig is part of the entertainment culture. I was always confident that if I ever had no work I could always fall back on my best skill and passion- mime. It’s easy to make rent on the streets of NYC as a mime (it’s just long days and hard physical work) but I never imagined I wouldn’t be allowed in the streets to perform.
I feel like a failure even though I’ve spent ten years using this skill to make people happy and entertained. I’m taking it one day at a time, but the reality is, I’m actually stuck in my apartment box in NYC and I can no longer afford to pay for the box that I’m being told to stay in until it’s safe. Ironic; I used to really love the imaginary box but it just feels different when it’s tangible and real in quarantine.” – @themisfitmime for ‘Seclude in the nude’
“Quarantine life! Man, what can I say? Since this whole thing began, I’ve definitely learned a few things. Even though we all have days where we complain about going to work and desperately try to find time off, my love for what I do has definitely been solidified during this experience. I’m a fitness professional and miss being in the gym training and teaching people. While I am fortunate enough to work from home and coach clients virtually, nothing beats being hands-on in the gym. Second, this quarantine can be a big test for relationships. Being quarantined with your significant other is great, but it can also be mentally frustrating — there is very little time apart and tensions can run high. It has been a great strengthening exercise too – both as a couple and individuals – find ways to decompress in close quarters. Lastly, I’ve learned (and enjoyed) the importance of a good night’s sleep! Though quarantine can definitely be rough at times, I am appreciative of the extra time it has given me to focus on working on myself. It has also presented me with fun opportunities to collaborate with other artists like @KirraCheers! I definitely never thought I’d stand naked in front of
Adapting for the present moment.
Sharing my morning practice
Teaching classes
Taking classes
Training
Performing
Collaborating
Finding ways to live in the now”. – @lithiumkitten for ‘Seclude in the Nude’
Soon interviews sputtered out, and the offers started being retracted, one by one. Then my husband got sick. I remember driving him to the ER after he fainted in our kitchen after days of spiking fevers and night sweats. He was so weak that I had to walk him to hospital doors before being turned away at the threshold by security. I went back to my car and cried. What the fuck just happened to my life?
Two months later and we’re both healthy. I landed a remote design gig that pays the bills. There’s unexpected freedom in this new life. I only got into photography last summer — and my day job made it difficult to devote as much time to it as I wanted to. In quarantine, I feel like creativity finally has room to breathe.”
As a beginner, I used to be so self-conscious about posting my photography on social media. But the landscape has shifted so much. I’ve been participating in the FaceTime photo shoot movement, which I think is such a powerful equalizer. There’s no hiding behind expensive gear or beautiful locations or impeccable styling. It’s just you and your eye. It’s been a huge confidence boost to get noticed and produce work I’m really proud of. I’ve gotten the chance to meet and work with other amazing creatives like Kirra. I can’t even believe I’m saying this, but I’m sometimes so grateful for what life looks like right now.” – @bridgeterrante for ‘Seclude in the Nude’
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