Street Artists Relaxing During Coronavirus Pandemic Madrid
by James Brunker
Title
Street Artists Relaxing During Coronavirus Pandemic Madrid
Artist
James Brunker
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
2 street artists in Madrid's Plaza Mayor / Great Square taking a break from work during the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The Plaza Mayor is the most famous of Madrid's squares and a popular tourist attraction. It dates back to the 15th century (when is was called the Plaza del Arrabal) and was rebuilt during the reign of King Philip III (1580–1619). Many street artists and performers work there and sell their pieces; in normal times markets are often held in the square though these have been cancelled due to the pandemic.
Madrid and Spain were badly hit by the covid-19 coronavirus and like most European countries enforced a strict lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus from March - June 2020. Restrictions were slowly relaxed from mid June; wearing a face mask in shops and enclosed public spaces is still mandatory despite the easing and many people still wear masks outdoors as well. This shot was taken in mid July 2020; it was really weird seeing central Madrid's normally bustling squares, street cafes and tourist attractions nearly empty. Hopefully the artists will manage to earn enough to get by, they and many businesses in this part of Madrid are very dependent on tourism.
Photograph © James Brunker. Reproduction, transmission or use in any form (print, website, copying and uploading directly to social media sites rather than sharing etc) without prior written permission strictly prohibited.
Uploaded
July 24th, 2020
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