In this series we asked artists and photographers to share photo diaries of life in quarantine.

This conversation has been edited for clarity.

“I wake up, walk the dog, try to be productive. Win some, fail some. Laze around enough to have a good immune system, eat, check up on social media, belly-rub the dog. Lately I’ve been enjoying some funked up covers from Scary Pockets, China news with puns from China Uncensored. Also rereading my notes from exhibits, talks, etc., and trying to relearn playing the guitar.

“I was supposed to have a show this June at the CCP, which is moved to next year. I was supposed to hang out with friends and talk about future projects, but those are postponed indefinitely, because online just doesn’t do it. One major difficulty is thinking about what the future would bring, how are we going to get out of this mess.

“There is a need, want to be more productive, but with the caveat that no one can be burned out in this situation, and have a weak immune system. So balancing the want to be productive, and focusing on something balanced, with lazing around to stay healthy. The lockdown has afforded me more time to work, research, and think. I got to thinking more about art that could heal, make you laugh, and make people more upbeat, because happiness is aligned with health.

I got to thinking more about art that could heal, make you laugh, and make people more upbeat, because happiness is aligned with health.

“After the lockdown, I most look forward to going out and hanging out with friends, hoping that people will not have amnesia to hold the Chinese Communist Party and WHO accountable, that there is no permanent damage caused by the virus, that an effective and safe vaccine be made and distributed soon, that incompetent and competent leaders be remembered for their actions now, on the next election, that there won’t be a ‘new normal’ with this virus still around, and people having to exercise social distancing, and that people will cherish the ability to be around others physically, more. To hope is free, might as well hope for a lot.” —Gerome Soriano as told to Jed Gregorio

“A huntsman spider I found while cleaning the back of our apartment.” / “Our neighbour found a bat lying on the street in the morning. It looked hurt, he put it on a nearby plant. Sometime later it disappeared, perhaps having flown away.” **PHOTOS COURTESY OF GEROME SORIANO**

“Took the time to document things around the house that are made in China.” **PHOTOS COURTESY OF GEROME SORIANO**

“Our neighbour borrowed my hair clipper to cut her son’s hair.” **PHOTO COURTESY OF GEROME SORIANO**

“Our cat caught a mouse.” / “Weekly dog laundry.” **PHOTOS COURTESY OF GEROME SORIANO**

“Shaving hair every two or so weeks.” **PHOTO COURTESY OF GEROME SORIANO**

Gerome Soriano is a visual artist who lives in Manila, Philippines. Mostly working with photographs, videos, and zines, he uses daily activities and everyday objects as take-off points to tell stories about contemporary issues, history, and ideas.

See more of his work here: geromesoriano.blogspot.com

_____

MORE IN THIS SERIES: