MIXED MESSAGES

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Australia managed the crisis better than most countries. In 2021, however, the Australian COVID-19 pandemic response has been marred by disorganisation, mixed messaging, and contradictions. Everyone had differing views on managing the pandemic and vaccine rollout, from our political leaders to epidemiologists. Lockdowns rules were confused and contradictory. Prime Minister Scott Morrison infamously said the vaccine rollout was ‘not a race’ (citing our low case numbers) but the Delta variant arrived, and it became a sprint. Experts were divided on vaccines too - Astra Zeneca was safe, then unsafe, then safe for some but not others, then safe for all. Now Pfizer is recommended, but supplies are short. And government modelling suggested lifting restrictions with vaccination rate of 70%. But another model contradicted this. Throughout 2021 the messaging has been mixed and confusing and led to a serious 3rd wave of COVID-19, multiple deaths, and widespread and lengthy lockdowns across the country.

These images are long exposures of electronic COVID-19 signage in my local area. Each sign replayed a few public health messages. However, during the long exposure, they merge into one incoherent & mixed message, rendering any meaning useless. This is my response to the handling of the pandemic in 2021 and reflect the frustration of many Australians.