In May 2020, not long after the Covid-19 lockdown began, I was introduced to the Japanese concept of MA after a friend emailed me a newspaper article. As I understand it, MA is 'space' or a 'gap' and the aim is to define just the right amount in all aspects of life. Having done some research into it, I am very aware that I don’t completely understand the concept myself, therefore find it very hard to explain. This may be partly due to being brought up in the West where space and void are often perceived as being negative (we even use the term ‘negative space’ to refer to the space around an object) whereas in MA they become defining principles, revered in traditional Japanese culture, art, theatre, music, speech and even in every day actions.

During the weird times of lockdowns and restrictions due to Covid-19, my physical world was dramatically distilled down to the walkable periphery around my flat. Even more so than usual, my eye was drawn to the everyday, looking at scenes that I see on a daily basis. As the ideas of MA resonated in my mind, I discovered a wealth of new life and energy right on my doorstep, a selection of which are shown below.