Lockdown Series: Windows on a Changed World with Earl Abrahams
Description
Earl Abrahams is a Johannesburg-based lens-based artist whose films and photographs animate the city’s streets until lockdown confined him to his apartment block.
Under strict restrictions he turned his camera into a window on the world, creating his Lockdown Series to reimagine confinement as a source of solace and invention.
‘Photography became my place of solace and kept me grounded at a time of uncertainty’ – listen to Earl’s inspiring story.
Episode summary
Earl Abrahams
Earl Abrahams is a South African photographer and filmmaker whose practice investigates race, identity and social mobility through dynamic, movement-based imagery. His Lockdown Series documented life from his apartment block, earning global recognition and new income streams.
Big ideas in this conversation
- Solace through creativity – daily photographic practice provided emotional grounding in lockdown.
- Resourceful vision – a confined field of view became a source of inventive abstraction and storytelling.
- Digital community – sharing work online opened new audiences and sustained him financially.
- Play as practice – gifting himself time to play each day sharpened his eye and unlocked new projects.
Advice worth hearing in full
- Follow the bread crumbs – trust the next intuitive step, even when the path is unclear.
- Gift yourself play – carve out daily time to experiment without expectation.
Where next?
Explore Earl’s Lockdown Series and other work at his website – Lockdown Series and more at earl-abrahams.com.
About The 21st Century Creative podcast
Hosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
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The post Lockdown Series: Windows on a Changed World with Earl Abrahams appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
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