Local photographers at an Oak Cliff pop-up event want members of the public to share their experiences of living through the COVID-19 pandemic.  For one hour, the visual artists will partner with visitors to create self-portraits of their expressions and emotions felt during the past 18 months. 

“We will assess the state of our spirits or reckon with the ghosts at our sides, so we can better see each other,” said Kael Alford, founder of “Ghost Studio: Pandemic Stories and Portraits.”   

Participants will take part in collaborative exercises and receive prompts like: “What have you lost or what has changed in the last 18 months? What have you learned? Is there anything you have gained? What are your hopes for the future?”  

To help visualize their experiences, participants are encouraged to bring objects, like an article of clothing, that tap into their imagination.

The photographers include Dallas-based Kael Alford, Ciara Elle Bryant, Greta Diaz, Diane Durant and Christopher Sonny Martinez. Other artists include Emily Riggert and Rachel Rushing.

“Ghost Studio: Pandemic Stories and Portraits” will be free to the public. It will be located at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center (OC3), 223 W. Jefferson Blvd in Dallas from Oct. 23-30 (closed Sunday and Monday) before Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).   

Household members or friends may sign up together (up to three people in one photograph). You can sign up for more information here.