On the way to a “new normal” in the aftermath of the coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has shaken the world as we knew it, with the restrictions it imposed having thoroughly disrupted all our lives. Not only the immediate health threat, but also the economic and social side effects of the crisis have shaken society to its core. We are forced to face a new reality that seemed unthinkable just a few months ago. 

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© Valentin Weinhäupl/Westend61

Even though we can feel confident that we will get COVID-19 under control and that the first positive effects of the lockdown will become apparent, still the question arises: What will be the long-term consequences for human coexistence? Or to put it another way: What “new normal” is waiting for us? Living with a new collective consciousness and the resulting new rules is naturally reflected in the visual language of Westend61 photographers as well.

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This is the new normal in images!

Most of you are aware that the world after the coronavirus pandemic will not be the same as before. But several weeks after the human nature of the progressive digital age has shown its limits, some (fortunately) exaggerated fears have given way to more sober reflection. The diffused sense of threat has given way to the confidence that we can meet the challenge with discipline, reason, and solidarity. Even though this could take quite some time, it is time we can spend looking ahead and considering what positive effects and insights from the crisis we may be able to take with us into the future.

Chance for strengthened collective awareness

There is no question that the disruption of worldwide economic networks caused by the lockdown has drastic economic consequences in a globalized world, the extent of which is not yet foreseeable. At the same time, though, despite some unpleasant phenomena, we are experiencing a positive change in social behavior. The sudden standstill in the hectic hustle and bustle of modern life has once again opened many people’s eyes to the true meaning of life. A person in a pluralistic society must again recognize that he is, for all his individuality and the dazzling array of life plans, a member of a large community called humanity, for a potentially deadly virus does not stop to consider the differences in the lives of its victims, nor does it care about national borders.

It was precisely the forced isolation of the past weeks that made many of us aware of the value of being close to and interacting with other people, indeed how vital that is. And even beyond this self-realization involuntarily renouncing consumption may have also caused many of us to think about the really essential things in life. 

The belief in the seemingly limitless possibilities of digital technology has been considerably dampened given our so obvious vulnerability and mortality. In return, its usefulness as a contactless means of communication has had a chance to shine; only digital connectivity meant that working, learning, and above all interpersonal exchange did not completely fall by the wayside, even during a lockdown.

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© Valentina Barreto/Westend61

Additional momentum for alternative concepts

The disruption of global trade links, however drastic their initial effects, may pave the way for a return to regional forms of business. This trend, as well as general efforts to further develop our economic system toward one that is more sustainable, was already in effect before the coronavirus pandemic. The same applies to a new mindfulness in dealing with oneself and others, which could now, in the wake of the experience of the pandemic, come into people’s consciousness more.

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© Valentina Barreto/Westend61

Let us hope, then, that the more pessimistic assessments of the consequences of the pandemic may not come true, or at least only to a lesser extent than assumed, and that instead the threat of the virus may give rise to an opportunity to strengthen solidarity and a “we” culture.

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© Maskot/Westend61

New visual language for a changed world

The photographers at Westend61 were also drastically affected by the initial restrictions. The temporary ban on contact deprived them of an essential basic condition of their work: to go out and take photos of life in all its many facets. But this did not detract from their creativity, and they made good use of the forced “retreat,” not only for photoshoots in domestic environments, but also in how they visually translated the new normal after the coronavirus pandemic. We have compiled a selection of the resulting royalty-free images in this Lightbox.

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© Gala Martínez López/Westend61

If there is one symbol for the “new normal” that everyone immediately thinks of, it is undoubtedly the face mask. That is why it is the dominant accessory in these photos. With the way things lie, the face mask will accompany us for a while longer. But the signs are good that we will soon be able to smile under it more often than we have in the past few months.

Hubertus Stumpf

As an experienced newspaper editor, Hubert Stumpf knows that a good text is only half the job when it comes to attracting the attention of readers - just as important a great imagery. The studied Germanist is a professional writer with a passion for the possibilities of digital photography.