To undergo a swab test, a rapid examination to diagnose an ongoing SARS-CoV-2 infection, is undoubtedly an unpleasant experience. Worrying about the test results, and the implied consequences, adds to the discomfort of this invasive examination. A thin stick (like a cotton bud) is placed deep in the nasal cavity and in the back of the throat, often triggering a cough or the gag reflex. The very moment before, when such intimacy is shared with an unknown person and where there is no defence, no choice, human character and fragility are revealed
"The Covid-19 pandemic has been widely covered by photographers all over the world and it has been depicted in all its forms. Looking through the images I was looking for real originality, showing me something we had not seen before. A fresh take on Covid was a big ask. Then I stumbled across Tommaso’s photos.
We have all done the swab test and fully understand it is not a nice experience, but seeing all of these flashed anticipatory wide mouths was very arresting. How he managed to get permission, or even set it up himself is a great achievement. So, this is a perfect example of taking the most obvious part of the pandemic and giving it that essential twist, demonstrating so well the power of photography." (Martin Parr)
We have all done the swab test and fully understand it is not a nice experience, but seeing all of these flashed anticipatory wide mouths was very arresting. How he managed to get permission, or even set it up himself is a great achievement. So, this is a perfect example of taking the most obvious part of the pandemic and giving it that essential twist, demonstrating so well the power of photography." (Martin Parr)
