Dark Reflections

In the early months of the pandemic, Paola Paredes suffered from a mental breakdown which saw her hospitalised for several days. The photographer was recovering from this at her parents’ home when she tested positive for Covid-19. Paredes immediately relocated to their apartment to isolate alone. She had caught the virus following a visit with close friends.

Once isolated in the apartment, her symptoms fluctuated between anxiety and coronavirus. It became impossible to distinguish one from the other; pressure and pain in the chest, shortness of breath, headaches, tremors. Paredes lived for a week in an emotional meltdown, caught between the side effects of psychiatric pills and COVID palliative medication. The artist's only comfort during this period was the confirmation that neither of her parents had tested positive following her stay.

During those days Paredes documented her experience, creating a visual diary recounting those uneasy moments. These images explore the often overlooked impact of the pandemic in aggravating and complicating the experience of those living with mental illness.

Paola Paredes 

Paola Paredes (b.1986) is an Ecuadorean photographer. Blending traditional documentary photography with staged imagery, her work focuses on issues facing the LGBT community, exploring contemporary attitudes towards homosexuality in Ecuador. Putting herself at the forefront of her imagery, her work represents a personal and intimate challenge to social prejudices, and invites renewed discourse on the interactions between sexuality, family and personal freedom in contemporary society. The works exclusively available with artvocate explore mental health within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paola received a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design in Quito before completing her first photography masters degree at Middlesex University in 2015. She also earned a second masters in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at the London College of Communication in 2016.

Her first major photographic work ‘Unveiled’ was widely celebrated upon its publication, and has been extensively distributed online, receiving support from prominent publications including, Huffington Post, Feature Shoot, and Cosmopolitan. Her second project ‘Until You Change’ has also been widely celebrated online with prominent publications in BBC, Aljazeera, Yahoo News, Vanity Fair and more, as well as been exhibited internationally. Skin Deep is her latest interactive photographic series.

Based on our agreement with the artist, 15% of the pre-VAT price excluding frames will be donated to support the social movement. Donation will be given to Unidad de Salud Trans Tayra Evelyn Ormeño.