Local artist Yulia Makeyeva has launched her ‘Jersey Isolation Hug’ project in an effort to raise spirits during a time of social isolation for many, which is depriving them of ‘tactile contact’.
She is calling on Islanders to take photos of themselves performing a ‘socially distanced hug’ with their arms stretched out as far as possible, posting the pictures on social media using the hashtag #JerseyIslandIsolationHug.
And she would then like everyone taking part to email her their name and the dimensions – height and width – of their hug to help her produce a tapestry she is working on.
Ms Makeyeva said that she would like people to have fun with the project and take part with those whom they are with during the lock down.
‘What was behind the idea of this was all the contact that people are missing out on right now, like hugging, kissing, shaking hands,’ she said.
‘What this tapestry will do is try and capture the energy of the hugging. It will be a textile piece of art and show all the different types of hugs.’
She added: ‘I want this to be a fun project. It can be quite difficult to take pictures of yourself in this pose, so I really want people to do this with their family and friends. Or use a timer or a piece of string if they have to.
‘So far I have had other artists and friends take part but I would like the general community to take part for it to really work.’
Ms Makeyeva is planning to display the tapestry in Jersey later this year, once the crisis has subsided. Her email address is jmakeeva@
hotmail.com.
The project can be followed on Ms Makeyeva’s instagram account at instagram.com/yulia_makeyeva. A Facebook page called Jersey Island Isolation Hug has also been set up.
