'Capturing the absences' launched by Culture Vannin

Phil Kneen to document Island life 'in extraordinary times'

A local photographer has been commissioned by Culture Vannin to 'document the ongoing pandemic situation on the Isle of Man.'

Speaking of his new challenge, Phil Kneen said: "I hope, for everyone's sake, that it won't be a long-term project."

Originally Mr Kneen's own concept, Culture Vannin approached him to see if he would be interested in being commissioned, so that his work could become part of a visual archive to be shared more widely.

I'm pleased to announce that I've been commissioned by Culture Vannin to document the ongoing pandemic situation on the Isle of Man. I hope, for everyone's sake,that it won't be a long-term project.#isleofman #isolation #ricohGR #blackandwhite #streetphotography #culturevannin pic.twitter.com/I0XQKVQtGC

— Phil Kneen (@phillipoKneen) April 16, 2020

Breesha Maddrell is the charity's director.

Dollin Mercer asked her what it is about Mr Kneen's work that caught her eye:

Mr Kneen commented: “I first became aware of how serious Covid-19 would get during a trip to London at the beginning of February 2020 - people at the airports were wearing face masks and there was a faint whisper of 'social distancing'."

"That's when I began a personal daily log through my photography."

"I'm extremely fortunate in that I have a part-time job, delivery driving from 5am every day."

"I cover the entire island, which means I have a unique freedom and access in a time when most other islanders are confined to their homes."

"All the images in this series were taken from inside, or very close to my vehicle.”

Full information on the #treisht2020 projects is available in the news section on Culture Vannin’s website.

More information on Phil Kneen’s work, in partnership with Culture Vannin, can be found here.