Coma 2019′ is a black and white photography series by an artist deeply affected by the continuous catastrophes that occurred in her homeland of Iran in 2019. As a result of the events, the artist felt alienated from society and sought to examine the common ignorance and indifference towards individuals experiencing pain.
To accomplish this, the artist created a pinhole camera by housing a camera within a box and placing it at various locations in Vienna. She would lie down beside people for a few minutes before capturing frank images. This method allowed for natural reactions, as the subjects were unaware of the camera. During this time, the artist was overwhelmed with fatigue and isolation coming from the distressing news, which is exemplified in the photographs.
The goal of ‘Coma 2019’ is to flame a discussion regarding societal empathy and compassion for those experiencing pain and suffering. The series hauntly showcases the isolation and helplessness one may encounter during crises, urging for increased understanding and empathy in the face of difficulty.
