'The theme of the issue was conceived at the time of the “first lockdown” in Australia, and with what was perhaps a misplaced optimism for swift resolution. Journals around the world have raced to publish “COVID-themed” works, but as the pandemic has lingered stubbornly on, it looks increasingly as though this will become a slow walk. COVID-19 will no doubt influence art for many years. Accordingly, these are perhaps just the first of many works reflecting on isolation, distance and emptiness.' (Editorial introduction)