Corona Equivalents

Abstract This article, centered on the experience of photographing the sky during the COVID-19 pandemic, examines photographic history, the metaphorical associations of skies and clouds, and the photography of contrails. It contains an account of Alfred Stieglitz’s “Equivalents” which are used to contrast with the current situation of sky photography, in particular analyzing his framing, manipulation, and expressive symbolism, alongside nationalist readings of his images. Monochrome images of the sky are juxtaposed to an account of the varying associations of the color blue, drawing on the work of Derek Jarman. Nineteenth century views of the sky and the sublime are also discussed, including the work of John Ruskin and Edmund Burke, to suggest that current environmental peril undercuts the sublime effect. The article is illustrated with photographs from the sequence ‘Corona Equivalents’ made by the author.