In his series of untitled photographs Nobody Claps Anymore, the Mexican-American photographer Alec Dawson portrays ordinary people in their homes in a downbeat, ultra-stylised manner. Staring into space as they watch TV or water the garden, the real-life subjects of photographer hint at vast reserves of boredom and regret. (Photo by Alec Dawson)

A reveler and a child street vendor pose for a photo during the Banda de Ipanema Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, January 31, 2015. Rio's over-the-top Carnival is the highlight of the year for many local residents. Hundreds of thousands of merrymakers are beginning to take to the streets in open-air “blocos” parties. (Photo by Silvia Izquierdo/AP Photo)

People will spout about impermanence of digital records, but books are really fragile, too. Alexis Arnold from San Francisco wanted to illustrate that with her project The Crystallized Book: collecting books and growing Borax crystals on them. Books range from literature classics to magazines, and there’s even a mysterious and arcane tome called “Linux: The Complete Manual”.

Short answer: no.

I know, this answer was a little too short, so let me explain in a little more detail.

Imagine tossing a coin. Normally, any normal coin toss has two possible outcomes - heads or tails - with each one having a 50% chance of happening. Ideally, that is, because factors like the force of your finger tossing the coin, gravity, the wind, the moon phase and a passing TARDIS can all influence the outcome of the toss - but I have deviated from the subject.

Iranian girls wearing face masks walk in Tehran, Iran, 02 November 2020. According to the Iranian Health ministry, Iran reported its highest daily COVID-19 death toll and infections by announcing 440 deaths and 8,289 new infections in past 24 hours in what appears to be a third wave of COVID-19 outbreak. (Photo by Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA/EFE)

A cat receives acupuncture treatment in Shanghai, China on August 21, 2017. Traditional practitioners believe acupuncture of the body can stimulate blood circulation to promote healing and relieve some aches and pains. (Photo by Aly Song/Reuters)

Using digital editing, designer Anton Repponen places Manhattan buildings in desolate landscapes, “inviting viewers to see them as if for the first time”. Here: 8 Spruce Street/New York By Gehry. Photo by Anton Repponen/The Guardian)