I and others I knew were bruised mentally from the sudden barriers put on our everyday lives. As I took a walk during Austin's self-isolation practices went into effect, I stumbled into a neighborhood with my camera in hand. The clouds overtook the sky nearing dusk and a light sprinkle covered the empty streets. Devoid of any human, there were more newspapers rolling down the street than cars. The only movement that hit my peripheral were ponds that had ripples spreading across the water’s surface. Coronavirus had done the same, as the event continues to affect our lives to this day.
COVID-19 has ravaged Austin, TX since South by Southwest was cancelled in early March. Along with the rest of the world, the virus has caused a ripple effect that has spread into many communities, businesses, and the personal lives of people. The aim of this project was to document how people in the Austin community have coped with their transition in mid-April. Some kept practicing the recommended procedures by government officials, while others did as they pleased. I wanted to explore the old hot spots of Austin and see how drastic citizens lives were altered.
Congress Street in Austin, TX empty midday on April 14, 2020 during the shutdown to combat the spread of Coronavirus.
Johnny (left), Fatboy (middle), and Chrissy sit within the Guadalupe Street art district on April 14, 2020. The three and other displaced Austinites set up to drink and eat after receiving their stimulus check payments from the Coronavirus pandemic.
Roberto Ninares rides the Capital Metro express bus on April 14, 2020. Buffered seating arrangements, mask requirements, and the drivers section were roped off in order to keep employees and riders safe during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Janet McKeller and Joseph Darville apply primer to the plywood in front of the closed Recess game bar on April 14, 2020. McKeller and Darville planned to add their own mural, as art work began to show up on Sixth Street in Austin, TX.
Art Randle quickly sketches two young artists as they work on murals in Sixth Street. Art Randle said he lived down here for many years and wouldn't want to be anywhere else, even during a pandemic.
Murals in front of the Iron Cactus restaurant on East Sixth Street.
Businesses along famous Dirty Sixth were closed and boarded up. Some workers still go downtown to work and provide takeout from operating restaurants.
Two guests wait for their take-out from Torchy's Tacos on April 16, 2020. As of March 17, all restaurants (and non-essential businesses) were ordered to be closed from the city of Austin.
A household celebrates the last day of Passover during the Coronavirus pandemic on April 16, 2020.
A household of young men drink out on their front lawn and play drinking games during quarantine on April 16, 2020.
Jason Wiggins works his shift until 10 p.m. at Junior's beer shack on April 16, 2020. All liqueur and alcohol stores were considered an essential business during the city wide shutdown.
Two men walk their dog by the tagged up Kung Fu Saloon on April 18, 2020
Graffiti tags began to show out on West Sixth Street at the Whiskey Fox Trot bar about the Covid-19 pandemic. The tag had a depiction of a hammer and sickle and said, "COVID-19 is a scapegoat for the new depression.
The Concrete Cowboy covered the graffiti tags with white paint and a hastily thrown up American flag.
Two young adults walk by an empty bike rack and communications building at The University of Texas at Austin on April 19, 2020. UT Austin moved to online classes after spring break to safely continue instruction.
Gage Olfers reads his book among an empty park at the turtle pond at The University of Texas at Austin.
The empty Main Mall at The University of Texas at Austin on April 18, 2020.
Speedway Street and Gregory gymnasium plaza empty after students were moved out of the dorms after spring break during the pandemic.
A discarded glove on Guadalupe Street.
A temperature check station for Whole Foods employees at the Lamar and Fifth Street location. Whole Foods and other grocers have made it mandatory for staff to take their temperature before a shift, while also supplying staff with gloves, masks, and face shields.
Zahra Ae waits at the bus stop after picking up take-out dinner on April 19, 2020 before Ramadan starts. Ae currently works at an insurance company and is the only one in the office during the shutdown.
People gathered at the Town Lake Metro Park the afternoon of April 20, 2020. This followed the weekend of Easter when the park was initially closed to deter groups of people from gathering during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Many people played and lounged at Town Lake Metro Park on April 20, 2020. Parks were originally closed to coincide with social distancing, but has been loosened for people to exercise.
A couple lays in a hammock away from the crowds at the Town Lake Metro Park on April 20, 2020.
Scott plays fetch with his dog Lucifer on April 20, 2020. State guidelines allow for people to leave their house to exercise and walk their pets.
Jesse takes his young dogs, Lucy and Love, paddle boarding to get out from quarantine on April 20, 2020.
