ALEX NIANG, 21, London at Select
reflecting isolation
F WORD: How have you been dealing with the whole isolation thing? ALEX NIANG: I can’t lie, isolation has been strange. Initially, I wasn't really thinking that much would change but then seeing roads get gradually more and more silent reality starter to kick-in. In the strangest way possible, despite the huge death toll that the world is experiencing, I do think people will be made more aware of their footprint, in terms of appreciating small things like going out but lastly also just soaking up good times whilst they last.
F WORD: What have you been doing to occupy your time and mind? ALEX NIANG: I have mainly just tried to keep busy, lots of running, a lot of online shopping (unfortunately £ :/ ), but mainly just taking time to focus on myself. I’ve been using my camera quite a lot to take photos in my studio for my clothing line I aim to release soon (ish) depending on how this all pans out! I’ve also been working on a music project of my own, a perfect time for writing and actually thinking about what you’re saying as time feels frozen right now.
F WORD: How are you feeling about the COVID-19 pandemic? ALEX NIANG: I feel like it’s an unusual time for everyone, from listening to what is said on TV, to hearing other things on group chats and social media, it’s all a bit mad. I feel like everyone just needs to chill, stay at home and appreciate time with the people you love (obviously isolating if needs be). That way we can bounce back and hopefully, carnival doesn't get cancelled.
F WORD: What are your thoughts on how our government and the world is dealing with it? ALEX NIANG: I try and stay away from the news as much as possible. That sounds silly but in fact, it leaves your mind open and optimistic instead of allowing panic and fear coming in. I ask myself; "for what?" Inevitably, every day I’m hearing something new, the world and government may need to reflect on what they do as well. Like why are footballers still being paid so much in a time when a joint global effort is needed. We can clap for NHS workers who work relentlessly, but that’s nowhere near enough.
F WORD: What would be your perfect soundtrack for this time? ALEX NIANG: That’s not an easy question. But one that’s keeping me sane and fits the apocalyptic ambience is 'Everyday' by A$AP and Rod Stewart.
F WORD: Can you suggest a movie/series/or book we should check out during isolation? ALEX NIANG: Right now, I’ve been watching 'Tiger King', America is a crazy place. Funnily enough, just before that, I was hooked on 'Master of None' on Netflix. It’s upbeat and also set in America but gives us a basic flashback of what all our lives were like before, peppered with humour to raise self-esteem.
F WORD: A hopeful statement to encourage others: ALEX NIANG: ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that’.
F WORD: Favourite F-word: ALEX NIANG: Faith. If you have faith in anything then why can’t you achieve it?
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