Photographer captures life during coronavirus

"The Dress-Code Mask, COVID-19 Seoul" by Baek Seung-woo / Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Now

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Photographer Baek Seung-woo is holding his first exhibition since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on how the virus has changed everyday life in unexpected ways.

Titled "The Dress-Code Mask, COVID-19 Seoul," the exhibit shows how people have adjusted to a new lifestyle wearing masks every day after the outbreak of COVID-19 at Gallery Now in southern Seoul through the end of the month.

Baek is a seasoned hotelier who worked for the Hyatt Hotels Corporation for over three decades. He is also a fine art photographer who has held his exhibitions "The Windows" in Seoul and Paris and published "Way to Work, Yaksudong," "My Korea" and "My Seoul: Hidden Gems."

Baek does most of his photography on his way to and from work, covering Hannam-dong area and Beotigogae and Yaksu subway stations both on Line 6. He captured a variety of people from students to office works, all wearing masks, reflecting the changes the COVID-19 have brought.

"The Dress-Code Mask, COVID-19 Seoul" by Baek Seung-woo / Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Now

Baek said he habitually took photos of his daily life, but did not read too much into them.

"Time marched on and in winter 2019, it was cold like another winter, but I thought spring would soon come. I heard of the virus from China, but it was a distant story until I realized the changes in people in my pictures. Every picture from the street had people wearing masks ― people even started to wear them indoors, despite the mask looking awkward with suits or formal wear," he said.

Clothing is a daily necessities and it also demonstrates individuality.

"People generally dress according to time, place and occasion. In a city like Seoul, office workers wear suits and students wear school uniforms. As I see people in their choice of clothing, I was able to distinguish whether they are going to school, work or gym," Baek said.

"However, masks started to appear on everyone's face. It was not because of the yellow dust or fine dust nor as a fancy accessory nor something that indicated social status. Everyone wore masks as if they would get into trouble if not wearing one."

Korea did not go into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and people were allowed to continue their daily life except for some crowded facilities, so everyone wore masks whenever leaving home.

"I met a variety of people on my way to work. Their gender, age and job varied from neighbor and public servant to student and shop owner, but they all wore masks and I thought it would be meaningful to capture this lifestyle changed by COVID-19 in photography," he said.

"The Dress-Code Mask, COVID-19 Seoul" by Baek Seung-woo / Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Now

Art critic Ban E-jung said Baek captures a diversity of people through a subjective frame, portraying modern daily life.

“Baek also pays tribute to those who join the fight against COVID-19 by wearing masks in his works," Ban said.