Finding peace and slowness during Melbourne’s first lockdown

For many of us during lockdown, our lives inside were whipped into a frenzy of screens, devices, disembodied voices and the internet. As the boundaries between work, entertainment and living collapsed, in some ways, public and private spaces inverted. In Melbourne’s northern suburbs people sought peace in outside worlds. Photographer Ben Clement documented people’s introspection and quietness; moments of time suspended in public space throughout August, September and October 2020.

This piece is part of Assemble Papers 13 Mind the Gap, published at the beginning of February 2021. Find the print version of Mind the Gap at cafes across Melbourne, or order a copy from our webshop and pay only postage costs.