Image copyright
Paul O’Shea
People are being encouraged to share images of the changing landscape during the pandemic
Pictures of rainbows, decorated trees and painted stones, as well as coronavirus-related graffiti, are being collected for a photographic archive.
Thousands of people were moved to create artwork during the lockdown and researchers are keen to capture the spirit of the time for posterity.
The Viral Archive project is being put together by researchers in Coventry, Cork and London.
About 600 photographs from around the world have so far been submitted.
But the researchers would like more.
Image copyright
Bronwen Thomas
The project aims to gather images of signs, art and graffiti along with murals like this in Poole Park, Bournemouth
Rosie Everett, from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick, said she had been working with “a mixed bunch of archaeologists” from University College Cork (UCC) and University College London (UCL) on the project while unable to carry out any of her usual field research.
It is hoped the archive will show the changes that occur in the landscape due to the global crisis – pinpointing a moment in time, she said.
Image copyright
Cyran Dorman
Cyran Dorman who submitted this photograph from Liverpool said the message was ‘heartbreaking’
“The pandemic isn’t a positive experience for anybody – we understand the harsh realities of people that are suffering – but we also wanted to try and capture the light cutting through,” she said.
Image copyright
Paul O’Shea
Paul O’Shea said he photographed a sign with these words by Seamus Heaney whilst on his morning run in Killarney, Ireland
Image copyright
Kelly Smith
Photographer Kelly Smith said the display at a care home in Bulkington, Warwickshire has developed over the weeks
She encouraged people to recognise and capture the changes in their local environment and share the images on the project’s Twitter feed @Viral_Archive.
The photographs will eventually be downloaded and put in a permanent archive at UCC.
Image copyright
Charlotte Frearson
The research has set out to capture a ‘timeline’ of the pandemic, including the political response
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]
More Stories
Top Trends in Computer and Tech Making Headlines
Empowering Progressive Small Businesses for Lasting Success with Connect Me Better
Tech Industry Updates: What’s Hot and What’s Not