Postales del Confinamiento: Dr. Alejandro Meter Captures Writers’ Experiences of Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The USD College of Arts and Sciences released its second annual Arts & Sciences magazine this fall. In the pages of this magazine, you will discover exciting new programs and initiatives, meaningful and impactful stories, and inspiring student, faculty and alumni spotlights.

Postales de Confinamiento
Dr. Alejandro Meter captures writers' experiences of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic

by Tanya Aubin

Something extraordinary happens when two worlds collide — for Alejandro Meter, PhD, his dual passions for visual arts and literature converged beautifully when he began photographing writers.

In 2020, the world was thrust into sudden isolation. Confined at home, Dr. Meter, chair and professor of the Languages, Cultures and Literatures department at USD, found himself unable to take in-person portraits — something he had done for years. 

“After a few months at home, I started experimenting with ways to continue taking photos. And I thought, ‘Would it be possible to create portraits of writers remotely’?” Meter reflects.

With tools like Skype, Zoom and Google Meet available, creating photos virtually seemed feasible. While connecting with writers online, from Argentina to Germany, he was tasked with meeting them where they were at — with varying devices and technological skills. 

He soon realized this project would be incredibly different from his previous photography ventures. He could not create the perfect lighting or the perfect pose remotely; he needed to let go of perfection.

Read the full article on page 33 of Arts & Sciences magazine (Fall 2024 issue).