The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More
Title: Letters to No One
Artist: Agnes Wong
Statement:
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly shaken the whole world with devastating consequences and seemingly permanent impacts on our daily lives. In this gloomy time of isolation, paranoia, and fear, studies have shown that those with existing mood disorders and mental health issues are experiencing a heightened feeling of despair, alongside an increase of symptoms. The global pandemic has affected how we live and communicate in our everyday, especially for a countless number whose condition of life has been severely impacted since late 2019. Letters to No One is a project that seeks to create a virtual community of empathy and understanding by inviting anyone to share their feelings or worries during the pandemic that might otherwise not be voiced—perhaps due to a lack of comfort expressing directly to others, or perhaps they simply lack an outlet. Through the physical act of recording down these often intangible thoughts onto paper, a cathartic experience in itself, these anonymous letters “to no one in particular” can then be viewed on a dedicated Instagram account, hopefully initiating dialogue and discussions by others in this virtual community.