Editor’s Note: We’re publishing this special edition of the ‘New Light’ photo essay to mark the conclusion of the winter solstice, and the beginning of longer days. After an incredibly difficult year for all of us struggling with the darkness of a global pandemic, it felt like the perfect day to focus on the light of resilience that these photographs capture. We are grateful to Scott Thode of the NYC SALT residency program for sharing this project with GroundTruth. And we are grateful to Richard Sennott, who is retiring after serving as GroundTruth Photo Editor since we launched in 2012 and who created and curated the New Light photo essays featuring top, emerging photographers.

These images reflect how we cope with the pandemic. In our own unique, visual voices, we have used many things: still images, video, poetry, words, drawing and whatever else we needed to communicate our ideas. In reaction to the murder of George Floyd and the swell of protests all over the world, we are also speaking loudly about race in this country.

NYC SALT creates opportunities in visual arts and pathways to college and career for underserved New York City youth from diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to careers in the arts, by engaging them in a rigorous blend of professional photography instruction, college-preparatory workshops, and career exposure. Our goal is to help student artists build advanced visual arts skills and the determination, confidence, and grit they need to succeed in college and future careers.

Scott Thode- Salt Residency Program Director

Artist statement: Frances Sy

The duality between light and dark is synonymous with the duality between good and bad. God is the ruler of heaven-a golden place-whereas the devil is the ruler of hell-an abyss of suffering. The “Dark Ages “is synonymous with the fall of a great empire, whereas the “Age of Enlightenment” characterizes a period of cultural growth.

I accepted this rigid dichotomy into my life with indifference because it seemed right to pair light with good, and dark, with bad. Every grim experience I encountered-another hopeless day, the heat that flooded my body after another argument with a loved one, a test paper covered with red marks-was a new event that I could add to my bucket of badness. I was so obsessed with this quantity of badness that it was difficult to believe that any good could come out of my bad experiences. Yet being in the dark was not the real obstacle-It was my fear of the dark, failure, emotional deterioration, backwardness. We forget that the two come in a pair. We forget that good experiences only exist because we have bad experiences.

In this pandemic, a lot of people have been through so many emotions and most of them are negative. It could be about schoolwork, family, etc. Sometimes, it doesn’t even feel real and its part of a dream/nightmare. These photos portray the feelings most people get sitting at home in this pandemic.

Artist statement: Rebekah Williams

Trouble in Quarantine

In this pandemic, a lot of people have been through so many emotions and most of them are negative. It could be about schoolwork, family, etc. Sometimes, it doesn’t even feel real and its part of a dream/nightmare. These photos portray the feelings most people get sitting at home in this pandemic.

Artist statement: Morgan Yee

Transformation

The year 2020.

Quarantined at home.

Daily routines.

What to do besides homework???

I’m going to slow shutter my cello.

So that’s what a vibrato looks like!

My, that fingerboard is getting a lot of wear and tear.

Dancing bow

Amazing!

I wonder what’s Dad up to?

Uh oh!

Crash! Bang! Boom!

Oh my!

Look at Dad’s workspace!

Nails, screws, tools, galore!

The creaky stairs, old floor boards and leaky faucets

won’t stand a chance against him.

Hey, where’s Mom?

She snuck away from her chores with her mighty garden shears.

I see her wielding her garden shears,

scheming with the marigolds,

To intoxicate the mosquitos.

Home.

A great place to explore and transform.

Artist statement: Mark Chen

People do not take well to confinement, but we cope with it through imagination. To stay sane is to long for the better times when we can leave our house freely and break away our world restraints. We run away to places of abandonment; we seek out areas untouched by the long arm of society. My long exposures do not reinforce the value of movement, but rather the excitement of external discovery. Because we are unable to clearly perceive ourselves when we imagine, we can only see the effects of our actions upon the memories we dig afresh. Unlike our physical selves, the mind is homeless; it wanders until it reaches a point where we are at ease from inside.

Artist statement: Elizabeth Avila

My photography is a combination of photos of my family and photos of light that I saw in my house. In the beginning of this whole quarantine when we began class online, I began to observe what I could take pictures of in my house. The first thing I noticed was the light around my house especially during the afternoon when the sun was setting. Light was always on some surface and it would shine through windows beautifully during the afternoon, so I decided to take pictures of that. I also captured moments throughout this quarantine of my family; I wanted to show how they were feeling through the photos I took. I felt like it was important for me to include them along with the photos of light. I used what I had to my best ability and this photography project is the product.

Artist statement: Nely Lopez

Life seems to hit you unexpectedly at the wrong time and moments and I’m definitely living one of those moments now. Isolation is something that can blend so easily with our daily lives that it suddenly seems normal. Social distancing has allowed me to get closer to my family and to think outside the box.

Being home for many months has allowed me to capture the changes and happy moments with the people around me. The thought of taking pictures in quarantine was definitely hard. I knew I had to push my creativity and not limit myself when it came to photography. At the end of this photographic journey, I’m happy with the outcome of my work because I know that it’s a representation of change, emotion and beauty of life.

Artist statement: Kayla Rosenblum

This set of photos represents my experience through quarantine during COVID-19. New York City went through hell and turned into a pretty dark place. I was fortunate enough to have been able to get out of the city and stay in Connecticut. And then I was told my stay here would be permanent.

My family had been debating for a while whether to move to Connecticut. I couldn’t decide what I wanted–leave all my friends for an amazing place and school, or stay with my friends in the city I love. Now I’m stuck in between my old life and my new life, unable to say goodbye or hello. All of my friends may be going through quarantine, just like me, but I feel more alone. I don’t have that satisfactory feeling that when this is over, I can go back to my old life and everything will be fine again.

I have to start fresh. New people, new community, new life. And when school starts, I may not even get to meet the people of my new community, as we may still be stuck at home. That’s a bit unnerving — the unknown. However, I’m starting to get used to it. Quarantine has helped prepare me for what’s to come and it has taught me a few life lessons. I learned that you’re never really alone and that people look out for each other, even when they are struggling themselves. This has been a growing experience for me and, even though there were roadblocks, I have been able to push through.

Artist statement: Maxie Krane

I don’t need to be the one to tell you that times are tough, everyone already knows that. I don’t need to tell you that everyone misses their friends and family. We long for the normalcy that will be lost forever even after this pandemic ends. It’s depressing and isolating. Confined to our homes, we must get creative with the way we communicate.

From celebrating Passover over Zoom to sitting six feet apart on park benches, I have documented the ways in which communication has been altered during the days of Covid-19. To demonstrate our connection with our phones and with each other, I enhanced my photos using paint and string. I sought to convey the feelings of loss and hopelessness we experience, we are all inexplicably linked, and the human spirit thrives in times of struggle.

Artist statement: Raquel Moreira

Throughout this difficult time, I was able to capture how things changed all of a sudden. We were all so used to being exposed and so near each other, without the thought of any of us getting sick. But things changed very quickly for the good and the bad. Many of those who wanted to grow their faith, were so easily taken by surprise that now they had to listen to a preaching virtually. Many people were searching for hope when they needed it most during this difficult time and it was hard for them. Although things were changing every day, during quarantine I got to spend time with my family and spend time not being at work or school. We got time to work on puzzles a lot, which is something that wouldn’t normally happen because we were always busy. The time I got to spend with my family was very special to me.

Artist statement: Arsema Hindeya

During my time in quarantine, there was a lot of time to sit back and see what captured my eyes around the house. During this time of finding out my comfort in staying home for a long period of time, I was able to see my home through a different lens. For a while home was barely a place I would be. I was either at school, staying out late for a program, spending extra time at school while also spending time taking pictures of my friends outside. Essentially, being outside became my second nature.

That being said, the pandemic changed that all. But thankfully, I was able to see my small apartment in the heart of Harlem from a different perspective. The best parts were the sunsets, when the mellow, yellow light would create shadows over chairs and flower vases. Or when the yellow tint would make me shoot my kitchen like it was a gold chamber. Or even the subtle shadows at dawn, when I would be awake from my messed-up sleep schedule, or the eeriness of the streets at 6AM, which before this, would’ve been busy and loud.

Artist statement: Alexia Santamaria

I usually like to take pictures of people, but now, forced to stay inside, I turned the camera toward myself.  It felt very awkward at first because I am very insecure about my physical appearance and I don’t like being stared at by strangers. Turning the camera to myself is out of my comfort zone and putting on makeup was like adding that extra protective layer between myself and the camera. I felt as if the makeup changed the way I looked, and I did not feel so insecure anymore. People in quarantine can get so caught up in their emotions so I showed my emotions through my pictures.

The light inside our souls

Shows who we really are

For some it shines brightly in their eyes

For others, their eyes are not there

Or maybe they are, but the glass in their eyes was broken by an overflow of tears by something too painful to watch

Those who try to get close will cut their feet on the broken glass

They will never know because those people are too scared to stay up at night

They sleep when the sun goes because the sun shines brighter than them

So they worry that if they stay up past dark, the moon will lure them

To a place where they will unknowingly pour out their hearts and ignite the flame they were gifted

A flame given by God as a sign of life and beauty

They are afraid that the flame will be too much

Once the flame bursts it can consume you

The knives of memories and emotions will cut their hearts and reopen wounds that broke their eyes

They will bleed the past through their eyes

And the moon… she only wants to help

She will send tides to wash away your blood and tears

Artist statement: Raquel Moreira

Throughout this difficult time, I was able to capture how things changed all of a sudden. We were all so used to being exposed and so near each other, without the thought of any of us getting sick. But things changed very quickly for the good and the bad. Many of those who wanted to grow their faith, were so easily taken by surprise that now they had to listen to a preaching virtually. Many people were searching for hope when they needed it most during this difficult time and it was hard for them. Although things were changing every day, during quarantine I got to spend time with my family and spend time not being at work or school. We got time to work on puzzles a lot, which is something that wouldn’t normally happen because we were always busy. The time I got to spend with my family was very special to me.

Artist statement: Richard Kaulinsh

My photographs are about emotions and how radical life can get sometimes. Emotions can get so deep and irrational, yet, life always manages to bring you back. This photo is part of a larger project that shines light on the parts of life that many forget-the highs and lows that made you who you are today.

Artist statement: Gisele Placeres

I wanted this project to act as my eyes during quarantine. Being stuck in my home with occasional family outings, filled my life for the last four months. Family has always been important to me, but going through this pandemic journey with them has allowed  me to view my family, along with the world and it’s pain and misery, with different eyes.

Artist statement: Nate Zim

Sometimes the most mundane of things are the most interesting.

Artist statement: Xiaolin Fang

I haven’t been able to go outside for a long time now, whenever I look outside my window it makes me want to go out even more. But, it’s our responsibility to not leave the house for everyone’s safety! The garden in the front and the plants inside my house give me a lot of comfort during my time at home.

Artist statement: Nely Lopez

Life seems to hit you unexpectedly at the wrong time and moments and I’m definitely living one of those moments now. Isolation is something that can blend so easily with our daily lives that it suddenly seems normal. Social distancing has allowed me to get closer to my family and to think outside the box.

Being home for many months has allowed me to capture the changes and happy moments with the people around me. The thought of taking pictures in quarantine was definitely hard. I knew I had to push my creativity and not limit myself when it came to photography. At the end of this photographic journey, I’m happy with the outcome of my work because I know that it’s a representation of change, emotion and beauty of life.

Artist statement: Katriel Orlow

This year’s theme was dealt with quarantine; I chose photos that show not only how my world felt still, but also how it exacerbated my depression, at times making me feel alone and stuck while the world moved on around me. Quarantine has changed my rhythm of life. Previously my life worked in a cycle, with moments of joy, growth, and happiness spread throughout the normal sea of depression. Now, there have been longer gaps between the good, but it seems that when the good appeared, it was purer. I hope to one day no longer feel stuck and alone, and my photos are meant to not only visualize my feelings of being alone, but also to display how I am working to grow out of my despair.

Artist statement: Daphne Tang

The last three months have been particularly challenging. Being forced to stay inside, I was able to capture my appreciation for the small things in life. I made images of my parents and the little details I saw everywhere. I reconnected with simple pleasures and was able to capture my appreciation of the details of life.

Artist statement: Maxie Krane

Protesters kneel at a Black Lives Matter march. June 4, 2020

Brown Skin Girl
As a black female in America, I fear anything and everything when I step outside of my house

As a black female in America, I feel as if my freedom of movement is limited

As a black female in America, I feel as if my opportunities are limited

As a black female in America, I feel as if I have to wear my hair a certain way just to fit in

As a black female in America, my heart beats faster every time a white person stops me to talk, thinking they hate me already just because of the color of my skin

As a black female in America, I feel people think of me as loud, ghetto, and always angry when really, I just want my voice to be heard.

Watching all of these videos of police brutality has me thinking “Am I next?”

I pray to god every morning and night saying “please let me and my family live just one more day”

I make sure I text my stepdad “stay safe” and “I love you” when he’s out working not knowing if he’s gonna come back

People say that protesting won’t work yet Derek Chauvin’s murder charge increased

People say that protesting won’t work yet Breonna Taylor’s case reopened

People say that protesting won’t work yet $100 million was reinvested into communities of color in LA

All of this happened in a week so you can never tell us that protesting is useless.

I am a brown skin girl, a beautiful brown skin girl

Hair that is not as simple as a brush and go

Full volume hair that takes hours to maintain

I am a brown skin girl, a beautiful brown skin girl

When people see me with earphones on, they assume I’m listening to hip hop when really it’s something from the 60’s

I am a brown skin girl, a beautiful brown skin girl

Queen Latifah, Issa Rae, Tierra Whack, Beyoncé, Janelle Monae and many other black females in the celebrity world have inspired me to keep being who I am.

I am a brown skin girl, a beautiful brown skin girl

And they’ll never take my power

Artist statement: Rebekah Williams

Artist statement: Jack Pattarini

As of recently, quarantine has really been a test of our emotional health. The temptation to see your friends or even just go outside is immense. I don’t have a lot of close friends and I’m not an active user of social media, so I haven’t really been texting anybody. When I do receive a text, it’s usually someone asking for homework answers. I just don’t want to talk to people through my phone very much, I’d rather see them.

My house doesn’t feel like home anymore, I don’t want to stay inside with my thoughts, and so I try to keep myself preoccupied. The inherent loneliness of isolation is horrible, and though I am not confined to my apartment like most people, it seems that New York has entirely stopped. There are no cars in the streets, no rush hour traffic, no workers rushing around midtown in their suits, not kids playing in the parks. The roads are so empty you can even walk down the middle. I’ve been going out just about everyday walking endlessly just to stay out of my head.

These photos are the byproduct of that walking. They show that no matter where you are, whether you’re inside or outside, there is nobody.

Artist statement: Emmersen Tormey

Metamorphosis