REAL TO REEL: W1 – EVE ARNOLD INSPIRED MINI-ESSAY – “Strangers in the City (2020)”

REAL TO REEL

When you’re walking around the City of Melbourne, it’s easy to find yourself getting lost in the sea of people – all walking at the same fast pace, eager to get to their next destination. No one stays still in the City. Or at-least it may seem that way. It seems rare to find someone sitting, doing nothing at all, truly nothing. Even if they might be still, they are still waiting for something or someone.

When I approached these boys at first, they were standing around, laughing and joking. When I asked to take their picture, they were quick to look at each other for affirmation before saying “yes”. None of them would exchange their names with me, or engage in conversation. While my appeal to these boys, were that they seemed care-free, they immediately took position sitting down for the photograph, and were very fast to close off – despite the fact that they oozed confidence before this.

It’s interesting how reluctant people are to converse with strangers in the City, and in this modern day. I wonder if it has always been this way, or if it’s something that has changed over time.

This man never gave me a name, but he did give me a warm “yes” when I asked if I could take his portrait. “Can I finish my ciggie first?”, “You don’t need to, it’s fine to have it in there”, “I’d rather not”.

I used to live by the Sea.

It’s different there. People are more open. They walk down the street without shoes, and seemingly without a care in the world. I used to go for walks with my grandfather when I was a little girl, and I took pleasure in saying hello to the locals, giving them a loving smile, and asking how their day was. I don’t do that anymore. People are uncomfortable with that here. And to be frank – so am I.

This girl smiled at me. Before I even approached her. I’m happy that she did.