2020 Vision

“Adventures through lockdown with a toddler.”

For families with young children, lockdown came with a new set of challenges that included online learning. Despite the difficulties of not having class in person, Tiyen Miller and his family creatively improvised by creating a classmate for their child to help him concentrate and to keep him company as he attended school online. Adapting to difficult circumstances with a sense of humour, Miller shows the ways in which flexibility has allowed some to thrive in these unusual times.

“This photo was taken during my family’s time in quarantine when we moved to Cayman for work in July 2020.”

Interior worlds spied through windows or doorways were for many their only glimpse of other people’s lives during the long months of lockdown and its immediate aftermath. Meinen’s image beautifully captures the solace many were able to find in quiet moments, in spite of the disruptions and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.

“The Caymanian Government rolled out an efficient quarantine programme allowing returning residents and visitors to self-isolate in their own homes once these had passed a stringent safety inspection. This thoughtful approach has kept this country both happy and safe.”

“I created this ‘Porchtraits Series’ to remind my neighbours and friends, not only about the difficult times, but also about the times when we were never closer to our family at home. (Believe me I know), it’s very tough and challenging at times but it still is a unique situation and opportunity for true family connection.”

“As a family photographer I wanted to capture just exactly how the families looked like in this moment in time in lockdown: some are connected, others more distant, some kids are excited, others are bored. There are different family constellations: caretakers, couples, single parents with older kids, families with younger kids. Some families have their helpers living with them, others their grandparents. Some left the island and others stayed in complete isolation. It is everyone’s own choice on how they create a ‘new normal’ in this unique and difficult time and that’s what I wanted to capture.”

“There is no doubt that the Covid-19 epidemic has and will continue to make its mark in human history for centuries to come. I wanted to document just a little glimpse of it for my family and the other families in my neighbourhood.”

Kris from Kaiman Photo portrays the emotion felt when sending loved ones out into the community during a pandemic. The loving grasp of all three and the way the students look back longingly show the worry and care for the safety of our friends and family during this “new normal we are seamlessly growing accustomed to.”

“Birthdays are times of celebration – even in the midst of Covid-19. Centenarian Aunt Hulda Ebanks is a friend (and relative) of most in our community. As such she led by example, facing the most perplexing experience since her 1917 birth with her usual quiet, graceful demeanor. The comfort of her family, and her familiar front porch, made all the difference in such trying times as those.”

General appreciation for many things increased during the pandemic, and Heather Meinen was able to capture her appreciation of these candid family moments. These ‘small moments’ become significant markers of time in this most unusual of years and the artist shows her gratitude for the simple fact of her family being together. While many families have been separated this year, those who were able to be in lockdown with loved ones often found a new sense of gratitude.

“Kai being held by his mom.”

Used to capturing the special moments in other people’s lives, professional photographers have had the opportunity to turn their attention to more personal subjects, such as documenting the most important milestones in their own life, – in this case the birth of Gates’ son – reminding us that life continues in the most challenging of times.

“Home school with a 2/3-year-old means keeping it fun. My daughter and I made an animal alphabet to stay busy.”

Artist Brandee Romanica portrays an innocent family moment of creativity in lockdown, while also capturing a deeper emotional element from this year. The composition of the child’s face — only partially visible through the tendrils of a toy octopus — creates an air of mystery and emotional ambiguity, reflecting the relatable uncertainty that many felt around the world.

CIFEC Student Submission (age 16)
“I took this picture of my little sister, with the hope of capturing the emotional effects that the global pandemic had on a lot of us. The window in the picture represents how we were separated from everyone and had to shield ourselves from the world. “

“This photo was taken with a Nikon D850. I turned the gym into a studio during lockdown. The family couldn’t really escape so it was easier to capture willing subjects!”

There is an honesty in this photo that captures the casualness of lockdown as daily routines fell away.

“During COVID, I was able to focus on my favourite hobby: photography!”

Lockdown experiences looked unique for every individual across the globe and across the Cayman Islands, and for some this lockdown experience is very much ongoing. For photographer Jenna Nicholson, she was able to enjoy the natural beauty of Cayman’s landscapes while in lockdown with her ‘COVID-19 buddy.’

“As the pandemic’s restrictions eased and some normalcy was reinstated, life in the new ‘bubble’ allowed cautious outings, especially welcomed were the new opportunities to socialise with friends and family. However, no tropical social soirée is properly commenced without a fresh helping of homemade seafood soup and warm fritters to soothe the palate and restore dulled senses.”

Although the closure of restaurants limited the dining out experience, Joanna Humphries created her own outdoor setup to replicate the experience of going out for a meal. In lockdown, many longed for these activities that might have once been taken for granted and recreating these scenarios brought back some consistency and stability that was suddenly missing.

“Keeping up with our yoga practice.”

Whippet the dog waited patiently with his ‘quarantine mom’ in Cayman until he was able to return home with his family in Canada. Before his flight, he was able to focus on his wellness with the resources of yoga from home offered by Body Works.

“Our dog Daisy enjoyed many afternoons in our front balcony keeping ‘an eye’ on our very quiet road during lockdown.”

Beyond the simple documentation of her dog gazing out at nature, the patio bars imply a tangible sense of being ‘locked in’, felt by so many of us.

“In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to spread globally, travelers from abroad became subjected to mandated requirements. This photo shows the items that were issued prior to and upon arrival for the 15-day quarantine.”

“Lockdown allowed me the time to observe what was happening from my garden and porch.”

We were reminded by the constant whirring of rotor blades that the lockdown was enforced not only on the roads through the heavy presence of police vehicles, but also by patrol boats imposing a ban on marine traffic and scouting helicopters keeping a close eye on proceedings from the sky. Artist Maggie Jackson was able to photograph the moment this helicopter flew over her neighbourhood, breaking the calm and stillness of lockdown with the reality of our global situation.

“This photo is a glimpse into the world of someone who has possibly lost their job due to COVID-19 or for whom this pandemic has made it that much harder to enter the workforce, and about this new normal we are seamlessly growing accustomed to.”

Jackson’s image utilises the technique of crystal ball refraction photography to neatly encapsulate the feeling of life being turned upside down in the wake of the pandemic. Through the literal inversion of a world glimpsed in reflection, the street scene we see before us conveys something of the unsettling stillness ushered in each night, as sunset curfews left roads empty and neighbourhood streets deserted.

“I painted these coconuts to represent the emotions I was feeling, i.e., curious, sad, angry, confused, yet trying to stay positive. They were, and are, good company!”

Creative outlets were for many a way of directing bottled up emotions and stifled energies in positive ways. Sybersma, like others, was able to turn to artistic pursuits as a way of staving off the monotony of lockdown.

Using portraiture, Humphries captures the relatable cycle of feelings experienced during these times. The mandatory stages of lockdown, including nightly curfews and days of full lockdown, at times left many regaining their sanity and dreaming of the day we would be free to roam the island and swim the oceans once again.

“Photography was the one thing that kept me grounded during this unusual time. My appreciation of the ordinary, of the simple things, flourished. Our family grew stronger during our time of solitude. On our daily walks through the neighbourhood, we attained peace during an incredibly stressful time and renewed our gratitude for our beloved isle Cayman.”

This joyful image reminds us of the simple joys of playtime during the 90minute window when we were allowed outside daily. It is part of the photographer’s wider series which documented her family and other families in her neighbourhood. She says “We were never closer to our family at home. It’s very tough and challenging at times but it still is a unique situation and opportunity for true family connection.”

The often bustling commercial centre of Camana Bay became eerily quiet after the island closed down in March. It was on these morning walks that artist Joanna Humphries was able to observe the drastic contrast inherent in this rare moment.

“Seemingly insignificant sights are brought to life through the lens of a camera: the need to catch fish as a response to food shortages, and the allure of nature that never fails to amaze me. All these are tiny wisps of beauty that shine through the wrath of COVID-19.”

For those living in Cayman during the pandemic, the natural beauty of the island offered comfort and relief. While one could easily have their energies focused on grim events, for photographer Michaela Walker casuarina pines became her symbol of gratitude to help appreciate the positives of this year, in whatever form they may appear.

“My dad Tenson Scott is a hardcore hand line fisherman ever since he was a child on the Brac. It was hard for him not to be able to go fishing during the start of the lockdown. Thankfully a few days after his 82nd birthday, that restriction was lifted. My mom accompanied him and they caught some jacks and squabs.”

“I was eager to return to the beach after lockdown. Once there, it was as if I was returning home from a long journey and everything felt like new. However, something had clearly changed, and the world felt surreal as I walked along my favourite childhood beach at Spotts.”

Many found solace in returning to nature as the lockdown restrictions lifted. What might have been a simple beach walk before lockdown became a much anticipated and appreciated outing.

“This was an epic evening fishing on Coxin Bank for snappers just as they allowed us to be able to fish. This was a big deal for the East End community which is known as a ‘Sleepy Fishing Village.’”

“I hope to convey the positive image of lockdown – the healing effects that the three-month diving ban had on the reefs, and the positive effects that being on, in, or under the water had on mental wellbeing.”

“My daughter and I love to snorkel together. How much we longed to be out in the water. When restrictions were finally lifted to go and snorkel, we took the plunge. Being out there is definitely paradise!”

“I am passionate about my photography so one of the things I would like to do during my outdoor time was to go out and make images along the shoreline. I see so many people going out and just fishing. This image was taken from the Northwest Point boat ramp.”

“Tourists were 90% of my business. With the border closed I missed shooting! With the island being so quiet I fell into the rhythm and beauty of it all. I started spending more leisure time outside and brought my camera everywhere. As a result I got photos that I would not normally have had time to get in places I would not normally have had my camera. The photos are beautiful but if you look close there is an underlying theme of an eerie quiet.”

The experience of solitude — in this case embodied through the image of a seated child, their eyes fixed on an empty horizon — was one many can identify with. With restrictions on movement and letter days determining who was allowed out in public, opportunities for quiet reflection were readily available.

“We humans were stuck inside, no contact with nature. When finally allowed to venture out, only for walks at first under a soft curfew, feral creatures that normally seemed tame, even timid, were suddenly quite aggressive. I was even chased by this gang of chickens multiple times. They seemed to want something from me, yet I had nothing to give except my laughter at being stalked by such creatures.”

“When we were finally allowed to go to the beach again, it felt as if I had the whole beach to myself, untouched and uninterrupted by another human presence. Seeing this washed-up Heely comically brought me back to reality when I was reminded that our presence is always there and affecting the world around us. While many areas of nature saw a temporary improvement since lockdown, such as Cayman’s coral reefs, these ongoing effects remind us that we are still very much integrated with our environment and that we should continue our efforts in keeping it safe.”

“Tillie’s/Palm Heights beach without tourists or brunch bacchanal due to COVID.”

The sight of empty lounge chairs on once crowded stretches of Seven Mile Beach became the norm in 2020, as hotels and resorts shuttered in the wake of Cayman’s border closure. While the economic impact on those directly working in the tourism industry was severe, others rejoiced at the lack of tourists and the absence of the usual crush of visitors at hotspots such as this.

A greater appreciation for the simple pleasures in life was felt by many in the weeks and months of lockdown, through which the enforced absence of leisure activities and the other such distractions led to a new-found awareness of the joys inherent in the most ordinary moments — taking a dip in the sea, or tasting a piece of fresh fruit, the latter aided by an especially prolific mango season!

Svitlana (Lana) Gilyun represents many important aspects of lockdown in this image: social distancing, exercise, and outdoor time. By combining the three the artist shows that these new social norms now apply to most aspects of our lives, while also highlighting the importance of nurturing mental and physical wellbeing.

“I was grateful that I was able to continue my post-op physiotherapy following a serious injury/surgery at the very beginning of COVID-19, remembering that it is important to have moments of joy even during very challenging times.”

Although many were not considered essential, throughout the year these services still offered the best care they were able to provide to their patients in need, showing a true sense of community during these difficult times.

“After the lockdown this was my way of destressing by enjoying the half-clean beach with one side clean and the other left rugged. In a sense this is how the entire pandemic left us all in between a rough and good place. It was a beautiful day and I was happy to capture all the beautiful colours.”

“Tourists were 90% of my business. With the border closed I missed shooting! With the island being so quiet I fell into the rhythm and beauty of it all. I started spending more leisure time outside and brought my camera everywhere. As a result I got photos that I would not normally have had time to get in places I would not normally have had my camera. This photo is beautiful but if you look close there is an underlying theme of an eerie quiet.”

“Sights in lockdown such as Cayman parrots and sunset were all viewed through the straight lines of power lines, as if I am a bird in a cage watching the outside world.”

The natural and the manmade are frequently in tension, yet during the lockdown lines between the two were blurred, as gardens ran riot and shrubbery was left to bloom untended, an effect amplified by the silence that evening curfews maintained. Birdsong and the chatter of parrots quickly took the place of traffic sounds and the bustling cacophony of modern life, much to the delight of many.

“The 2020 COVID pandemic gave rise to observing evening and night skies presenting magnificent viewing opportunities during lockdown. The passing over Cayman by the International Space Station was cause for excitement. The Comet Neowise caused even more. The brilliant skies, sunrises, and sunsets were made the more brilliant by the 2020 African dust storm. Looking up provided us, as families, not only outdoor time in our own space, but also times of amazement and wonder at things we may not have paid attention to before.”

In addition to the unforeseen upheavals and disruptions that marked 2020 as a year of momentous change, there were also once in a generation astrological convergences — from rare sightings of the International Space Station and the ability to clearly observe the planets Mars and Venus with the naked eye, to in this case the passing of a comet in close proximity to earth, which stargazers in Cayman were able to enjoy in July.

Throughout lockdown, families found new ways to amuse themselves in the absence of diversions and forms of entertainment that were taken for granted prior to the pandemic and its associated restrictions. In this instance, the traditional Cayman ritual of camping at Easter time — when many residents enjoy the opportunity to set up tents and enjoy time outdoors — was prohibited, prompting some to come up with alternative forms of escapism.

CIFEC Student Submission (age 16)
“This picture was taken just after quarantine. I wanted to capture the sense of relief and hope in the air. We were all so thankful.”

“As lockdown restrictions were being lifted and we were able to go out more freely, we would go for drives just to get out of the house. This one day we saw a seagrape tree with lots of ripe seagrapes. We picked some and I showed my son how to wrap the seagrape leaf into a cone shape, just as my parents had taught me. As you can see, my son totally enjoyed the experience.”

“Blue Anemone in Grand Cayman reefs undisturbed by divers due to COVID impacts to scuba shops and rental restrictions.”

One major improvement seen as an effect of lockdown was the recovery of Cayman’s coral reefs. As the borders closed and the amount of people in the water suddenly plummeted in addition to the restrictions of beach closures and restricted water activity, the marine life across all three islands was able to flourish undisturbed.

Shooting up into the sun’s halo, Collins’ photograph captures the silhouette of a snorkeler whose profile is outlined clearly against the nimbus of sunlight that surrounds them. For many, being able to return to the underwater world was almost spiritual in its cathartic power, with the calm that can only be experienced in the silent depths of the underwater realm providing a mental relief from the stress and pressures of the preceding months.

“The 2020 COVID pandemic gave rise to observing evening and night skies presenting magnificent viewing opportunities during lockdown. The passing over Cayman by the International Space Station was cause for excitement. The Comet Neowise caused even more. The brilliant skies, sunrises, and sunsets were made the more brilliant by the 2020 African dust storm. Looking up provided us, as families, not only outdoor time in our own space, but also times of amazement and wonder at things we may not have paid attention to before.”

“I was initially working with photographer Graziela Portela on a project called #stayhomecayman; however, she left island before we finished. I captured the feeling of being alone, the monotony of the everyday, but life continuing on!”

In this collaborative photograph, Birchall and Portela captured the deserted streets after the initial lockdown. The popular hashtag #stayhomecayman that circulated the internet was a way for people to feel connected when the digital realm became the main way to keep in touch. The statement also reinforced the regulations of staying inside during lockdown, except for essentials and emergencies, that proved successful in keeping Cayman’s residents safe.

CIFEC Student Submission (age 16)
“For me this was a symbol of the pandemic. Sometimes a symbol of hope, sometimes of fear. But eventually the mask became a friend that changed my life forever.”

McField captures our new way of life of wearing masks, as well as the emotions behind the mask – of concern and uncertainty. Although the discussion of the mask may be controversial in some countries, for many it is a new part of everyday life. The photographer once saw the mask as a reminder of the global fear and danger associated with the pandemic, but now sees it as a common everyday item, as a protector, and as a friend.

Lockdown in Cayman saw the closure of beaches that included the restriction of any water activity. As the island became void of tourists, and local community hotspots deserted of any human presence, the landscapes of the beloved islands drastically changed from once full of activity to a barren paradise. Here Riley uses her camera to capture this sense of isolation and to record her “appreciation of the ordinary, simple things that flourished” during this time of solitude.

“I was amazed to see how silent and lifeless it all seemed – no cars on the road was great. Being a lover of architecture, capturing the lockdown buildings with unkempt landscapes was more like painting a picture. Life is about living. The world is locked down now, but life goes on.”

“The gas station has the appearance of a last outpost, where the human realm gives way to the anonymous realm of isolation. The bright white light of the station starkly illuminates the single empty chair.”

Sharing similarities to Tom Girling’s painting Gas Station Are Places Too from NGCI’s first virtual exhibition Art Under Lockdown, photographer Tony Walton’s Shutting Down relays the same eerie abandonment of a gas station at nighttime. This scene is one that shares resemblances to many scenes across the globe as the pandemic spread.

“As an artist and photographer for close to 40 years, I love all living things. Photographing nature always creates excitement for me, documenting family get-togethers was a must; however in this new situation, with the lockdown, I was eager to get out on the road on my name days. I was amazed to see how silent and lifeless it all seemed.”

“I think back to the first few months of 2020. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, grocery shopping went from being freely admitted on whatever day you felt like shopping. Fast-forward to Covid-19 2020 and only being allowed to shop on your name day, social distancing, long lines, sanitizing your hands and carts, and wearing face masks.”

Eager to get out on the road on his name days, artist and photographer Al Ebanks sought to capture both the emptiness of usually busy locations and the new regulations that the community was told to adhere to for safety – such as social distancing. This image of waiting in line for groceries is one that can be appreciated by many.

“Social distancing, isolation, and quarantines have had an effect on mental health which may outlast Covid-19.”

“This image was taken with pride for being Caymanian, when I stood in line at the six-feet checkout and saw everyone doing their part by following the new regulations: socially distancing and wearing masks and gloves. During lockdown, we were allowed to go grocery shopping only on our ‘name day’ by last name. These efforts proved worthwhile as Cayman was able to stay one of the safest places to live in terms of COVID-19.”

There was an increase in deliveries and remote services during lockdown, challenging many businesses to find ways to adapt to this new way of life. Not only did they need to follow new safety regulations regarding social distancing, cleaning, and required PPE, restaurants and services had to be flexible to new curfews, and reach customers who may not have been able to venture out to them. The representation of multiple currencies in the image also references Cayman’s connection to other countries, and our reliance on them for emergency equipment such as masks and respirators. While often the islands may feel quite separated from the rest of the world, we are all globally united in this collective pandemic experience.

“While quarantined, Cayman Kind was never as evident as Community Kind, whether in the form of concern for others’ wellbeing or many offers to help by family, friends, and the community.”

Frontline workers during the pandemic continued to offer their services – such as deliveries made by Foster’s for those in quarantine – often going out of their way to provide for the community.

“Welcoming music on arrival for Holiday Inn Quarantine.”

As regulations lifted across the Cayman Islands, visitors were allowed to return to the island under new quarantine regulations that included monitoring wristbands, fourteen-day quarantine, and testing on the fifteenth day. For Cassandra Greene, her quarantine experience involved a musical performance upon her arrival to help ease the situation and comfort the new guests. These new regulations were put in place to ensure the safety of the community while also allowing those who needed to travel access to the Islands.

“The COVID-19 testing drive through system at Doctors Hospital was incredibly quick and efficient. I had to be tested every two weeks in order to photograph in the hospitals. It was organized, quick, safe, and smooth.”

Cayman’s frontline workers worked diligently to take care of the community, which included the drive-through COVID-19 testing pop-up facilities at Doctors Hospital in George Town. Here artist Julie Corsetti represents the healthcare professionals who were able to test individuals from their vehicles throughout the pandemic. What is also not shown in the photograph is the work that is being done behind the scenes regarding testing samples and other important COVID-19 research. Frontline workers and those in positions that had constant contact with the public were also tested regularly in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

“I was given the opportunity to take a quick peek on what goes on behind the walls of the COVID-19 laboratory. I felt honoured and at the same time grateful for the work that these technicians put in.”

“I took this photo during the COVID-19 time and I guess that was a struggle staying in lockdown, but this makes us discover the beauty within our days, like nature and our family.”

After being in lockdown and stepping back into the community, artist Thaís de Souza noticed that mundane objects such as a traffic sign take on new meanings. With the island being closed, daily life became quiet for many who were not essential or frontline workers as streets emptied, stores closed, and nature began to sprawl across once bustling parts of town. Overall, the islands seemed to drastically slow their ‘island time’.

“This image was taken from Port Authority’s Container Distribution Centre. Wearing masks while working under the hot sun was truly a challenge but I am proud of all the men who have put in the effort to get the job done.”

“Somewhere between the Book of Revelations, and Kenneth Stephen’s prescient book ‘2020: A Novel’ lies the parable that is the Year of Our Lord… 2020. The dystopian future loomed large for many – more often a perception that such a fantasy had in fact become reality, as the pandemic was characterised by an intense, forced, extended period of isolation – even from our dearest friends and loved-ones. Even so, people often used the many tense months for introspection, and commonly found a renewed appreciation for the meaning of life. At the first opportunity, in this case at the Church of God which my uncle pastors, a few brave souls ventured out, with appropriate personal distancing and loudhailers in the parking lot, to worship God and to celebrate life.”

“During the COVID pandemic the wild animal population here in the Cayman Islands exploded. The spay and neuter programmes that were offered by local clinics were considered non-essential, and now we are seeing an influx of litters. In addition, many people were forced to abandon their pets when they repatriated. The Noah’s Ark Project has been working hard to bring those pets home, and most importantly we have rescued hundreds of animals, rehoming them in Canada where the shelters have waitlists for pet adoptions.”

Poirier’s efforts to ensure dogs in Cayman were found homes and adopted following the onset of the pandemic came to the public’s attention when it was announced that several flights had been chartered and were being granted permission to fly to North America for that express purpose. This image captures the moment these fortunate animals were in the process of being boarded, with stacked animal crates conveying their canine cargo to a brighter future — much like in the biblical story of Noah’s Ark.

“The child with cancer that the fundraiser was for has now beaten it and is now cancer free. I am thankful to frontline workers who still work on all kinds of medical issues during this pandemic and of course all praise and glory to God for excellent results.”

Initially grouped in the extensive list of activities prohibited on safety grounds— from swimming and boating, to team sports and working out in gymnasiums— diving was finally permitted once again from 21 June onwards. Sunset Divers and other establishments greeted the news with relief, after weeks spent lobbying government to ease restrictions. While tourists were absent, residents were able to enjoy the wonders of Cayman’s reefs, noting the surprising resilience of coral species and abundant wildlife following the nearly three month hiatus of in-water activities.

Many aspects of life changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including Cayman’s proud culinary life. During the initial lockdown restaurants closed but were able to continue with take-out only. As lockdown lifted, restaurants were able to open under limited capacity and paper-free menus, meaning traditional menus were translated to scannable QR codes accessible through smartphones.

“McCoy’s Sunset Bar in Little Cayman, basking in the sunset with customers after COVID restrictions lifted and the bar was able to re-open.”

The resilience and adaptability of Cayman’s community has shown through during this pandemic. The hard work of residents throughout lockdown allowed for businesses and schools to begin to reopen with some return to normalcy. As we take on the challenges of tomorrow, Cayman moves forward with a strengthened sense of community and gratitude.

2020 Vision installation at the Government Administration building, 2021

Installation view

Installation view

Installation view