Capturing the Pandemic Experience: A Photographic Journey of Youth
Explore a compelling photographic journey as Valentin Goppel captures the essence of young individuals navigating life amidst the pandemic. Witness the resilience and realities of the youth through 18 months of captivating photography.
New Year’s Eve 2020 was different for many of us. The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic meant that instead of the usual reflections on the year gone by, there was a sense of collective grief. Socializing restrictions due to Covid-19 also made it challenging for people around the world to celebrate the occasion.
For German photographer Valentin Goppel, the situation was made even more unique by his choice of companions. Instead of spending the night with his flatmates as he normally would, he found himself with his girlfriend’s younger brother and two friends. This unexpected gathering led to the creation of the initial images for Goppel’s first photobook, “Zwischen den Jahren.”
Her brother had been trying to convince his parents for weeks to let him celebrate New Year's Eve with his friends. The photographer shared in an interview with CNN that he understood the brother's desire as a young person, but unfortunately, the parents were initially against it. Eventually, they agreed to the plan when he promised to quarantine in his room for four days afterward. It may seem strange to prioritize a few hours with friends over days alone, but for him, it was worth it.
The project was a vehicle for Goppel to explore the relationship between young people, lockdowns and mental health.
The project was a vehicle for Goppel to explore the relationship between young people, lockdowns and mental health.
Valentin Goppel
After returning home from taking photos of the boys, Goppel found himself questioning his motives. He thought to himself, "Why am I putting in all this effort? I would have preferred to spend that time with my girlfriend!" However, that evening served as the inspiration for a larger project focusing on youth, lockdown, and mental well-being.
© Horst Kistner, Germany, Shortlist, Professional competition, Portfolio, Sony World Photography Awards 2024 - 1
© Horst Kistner, Germany, Shortlist, Professional competition, Portfolio, Sony World Photography Awards 2024 - 1
Horst Kistner/Sony World Photography Awards
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In Germany, the phrase "Zwischen den Jahren" means "between the years" and is often used to describe the final days of December. This expression also perfectly captures the feeling of being in a state of disorientation, which many people, especially teenagers and university students, have experienced during the pandemic.
Many of the images show young people with their faces illuminated by the glow of a mobile or laptop screen.
Many of the images show young people with their faces illuminated by the glow of a mobile or laptop screen.
Valentin Goppel was commissioned by German newspaper Die Zeit after his New Year's Eve shoot. Over the next 18 months, he captured photos of young people, often seen under the glow of a laptop screen, wearing face masks, or meeting outdoors - reflecting the challenges of life during the pandemic. Sometimes, Goppel would simply observe and capture moments, while at other times, he would set up scenes inspired by recent events.
He mentioned that often he would have a specific memory in mind that he wanted to capture for his project, making a conscious decision before snapping the picture. Other times, he would simply be waiting for a significant moment to unfold. The final photograph for his project was taken in the summer of 2022.
Living with his parents in Hanover when the news of the first lockdown broke, Goppel eventually moved back in with flatmates by late 2020, who later became central figures in his book. He explained that the idea for the project stemmed from a feeling of belonging and shared experiences within his community. As the project progressed, it became a collaborative effort with his friends, with the images becoming more of a collective effort rather than solely his own.
The pandemic left Goppel and his friends with "an altered sense of companionship," he said.
The pandemic left Goppel and his friends with "an altered sense of companionship," he said.
Valentin Goppel shared that despite feeling connected to his community, the pandemic changed the way he and his friends felt about their relationships. In the text that accompanies his book, he reveals that before Covid, 1 in 10 German teenagers exhibited signs of depression, but after the first lockdown, this number increased to 1 in 4.
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The photographer shared his experience of trying to reintegrate into society after capturing the images. He found it challenging as he and many others felt disconnected and isolated, even when surrounded by friends. It was a strange feeling to be in a group yet still feel alone.
"You were back with your friends, but many of us felt disconnected from them and isolated still," said the photographer of the times towards the end of the pandemic lockdowns.
"You were back with your friends, but many of us felt disconnected from them and isolated still," said the photographer of the times towards the end of the pandemic lockdowns.
Valentin Goppel
Valentin Goppel has been taking photos on a road trip across America, capturing strangers with a new purpose. This new focus is largely influenced by his work on “Zwischen den Jahren.” With open borders and international travel now back in full swing, Goppel has been able to embark on this exciting photography journey.
"The Covid project was a turning point for me, shaping my current work philosophy. I always make sure to incorporate my own perspective into whatever I am working on," he shared. "The pandemic made me realize the significance of my individual experiences for the first time."
"Zwischen den Jahren" by Valentin Goppel can be found in stores now, published by GOST Books.
Editor's P/S:
The article delves into the genesis of Valentin Goppel's photobook "Zwischen den Jahren," which chronicles the experiences of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. It poignantly captures the collective grief and disorientation of the time, particularly among teenagers and university students. The photographer's own journey, from the serendipitous New Year's Eve gathering that sparked the project to the collaborative nature of its creation, is a testament to the power of shared experiences in shaping art.
Goppel's candid portrayal of the mental health challenges faced by young people during the pandemic is particularly striking. The images evoke a sense of isolation and disconnect, even amidst the supposed comfort of friends and family. His work highlights the profound impact of the pandemic on the mental well-being of a generation, a topic often overlooked in discussions of its broader societal consequences. The article serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing the mental health needs of young people, both during and after global crises.
