From 2020 to 2023 the world was in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a time of fear and anxiety on a global scale, and strangely, it underscored the uncertainty and mistrust toward the institutions we expect to keep us safe. It was a deeply polarising time.
Injection Site by Linda Alterwitz is a photographic project created during the pandemic. Using thermal photography to see the body’s inflammation response to the vaccine, combined with participatory practice, it gave visitors the chance to air their views publicly but anonymously through sticky notes they could leave in a designated area within the exhibition. This simple strategy gave Alterwitz insight into the civic responsibility people felt to keep others safe through being vaccinated, while others shared the fear and mistrust that prevented them from being vaccinated. Alterwitz made no judgements. She simply wanted to do something to help people cross the divide and communicate.
Three years on, it is still important to consider the work presented in Injection Site because we live with the threat of pandemics happening again. Likewise, the debate on trust is still very active. Presented here in conjunction with the publication of Linda Alterwitz: Injection Site by MW Editions, New York and the upcoming solo exhibition of Injection Site at the Ulrich Museum of Art in Wichita, KS, Virga Gallery is proud to share a selection of images from Injection Site by Linda Alterwitz.
To purchase a copy of the book, click the link below:
Linda Alterwitz: Injection Site with a text by Leah Ollman, published by MW Editions, New York — $55
If you are interested in hosting this exhibition or in purchasing prints from the series or a full portfolio of Injection Site, please contact Jane@virgagallery.net
