Together and Apart

​Illustration by Avery Thorne, 17
Guelph, Ontario

​Artists Statement: In times of self-isolation and quarantine, it’s easy to feel alone and separated from each other. However during this unique time while we are all facing very similar struggles, our individual experiences are different. While some are treating this as an opportunity to be productive, exercise and stay positive, others are finding this a fearful and depressing time. In my piece I want to display how, despite the proximity and similar circumstances of people, our activities differ. In the same apartment building I illustrate the uniqueness of everyone’s quarantine. Some people are surrounded, even crowded by family, while others are completely alone. Some people are productively working, teaching, learning or adjusting to this “new normal”, while some are passing time and distracting themselves. I encourage the viewer to look closely at all the unique ways people are “locking-down” in my art, and reflect on their own isolation. Despite our different locations, attitudes or degree of loneliness, we are all in this together: 6ft and a world apart.