Chasing the Fog
雾～悟～寤
In March 2020 after Covid-19 hit with ferocity, Japan went into a quasi lockdown. Gyms, restaurants, shopping centers and schools were closed and my teaching work came to a standstill. I was essentially jobless for three months.
Uncertainty and anxiety hung over me like a cloud. I comforted myself by embracing this rare opportunity to rest and recharge, and savor photographing full time. In the past, I photographed fog only by chance but during this period of time, I found myself drawn to fog and actively pursued it in my images. My heart would quicken in trepidation when trees were enveloped in it. I was forlorn when trees vanished completely, and waited with bated breath for the elusive moment when they reappeared.
The scenes mirrored my mood – losing the familiar but trying hard to remain optimistic. Chasing the fog sustained me. It reminds me that uncertainty, like fog, will eventually dissipate, and our future will become visible again.
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I dedicate ‘Chasing the Fog’ to my family and friends, and in particular to my father for his love and support throughout the years. I learnt that it was easy to forget the living around me when I was grieving for the loss of my mother. Covid-19 reminded me of the importance of family and friends. I’m glad we’ve been able to keep in touch via messaging apps even though we are miles apart from each other. I look forward to seeing them again in person before long.
