TRAPPED The Book

 The pandemic serves as background to this story of human life and dynamics in a period of great individual and global uncertainty. From self portraits taken at the height of the lockdown to street photography in New York, Europe and Argentina, Trapped seeks to capture human feelings during these challenging times of social disruption and personal anxiety. A personal exploration of the world during the pandemic. A portrait of troubled souls in eerie times, where angst and fear coexist with resilience and humor. A personal journey into troubled souls through eerie times.

The pandemic serves as background to this story of human uncertainty, while crises and social movements transform how we see ourselves and our world. This has allowed the artist space for introspection, imagination and symbolism to capture the new fuzzy reality. Echagüe’s photography reflects both the tragic and the absurd, mixing and blending self-portraits taken at the height of the lockdown with street photography in New York, Europe, Istanbul and Buenos Aires.

Ximena Echagüe is a Belgian-Argentine Documentary & Street Photographer, juror & curator based in Brussels. Ximena’s work has been exhibited worldwide in four individual exhibitions (including at the European Parliament, Brussels and the United Nations, New York) and over 70 Group exhibitions. She has been published by The New York Times, BBC News, The Washington Post, and in many photography magazines.

Ximena's book saw the light during the pandemic and once again it showcases her passion for capturing human dynamics through photography. It portrays the feeling of being trapped in a confused reality, which we all experienced during the pandemic. As the pandemic came to an end, the world changed, with an increase in inequality and the prevalence of wars. The book reflects a time when people had to continue living and hoping despite the challenges they faced. People found ways to cope and thrive, displaying ceaseless optimism and sometimes irrepressible humor. 

The author's unique perspective is evident in the book, as she always looks for the eccentric and funny in the midst of darkness. The book doesn't provide answers but rather leaves thought-provoking questions for the readers.

Batsceba Hardy