Out of Touch
Group 8
Mixed-media
Our creative project uses the medium of digital collage to depict an image of an elderly man formed from many pictures of individuals hugging. At first glance the artwork shows an elderly man wearing a COVID mask, the dark background conveys loneliness, and the mask symbolises the pandemic’s isolating impact on the elderly. Yet, when zooming in, the image is formed from many smaller pictures taken by us, the images show members of the communities that we surround ourselves with – showing physical touch in the form of a hug.
Please click on the image to see these smaller photographs.
Through this artwork we have attempted to express the impact that a lack of physical touch had upon the elderly community during the pandemic. The way in which the photos of the expression of physical touch act as holons to make up the larger picture of the isolated individual show how a lack of physical touch leaves members of the community feeling alone, emphasising the importance of physical touch in both mental and physical health.
Mila Baines, Martha Brennan, Jahida Faruk and Justine Roberts, Year One
Exhibited at the Foundations of Medicine Conference, 2024
This digital collage provides a poignant and intricate viewpoint on the isolation faced by the elderly during the pandemic. At first sight, the image of an older man wearing a COVID mask against a dark and desolate backdrop stirs feelings of loneliness and highlights the pandemic’s isolating effects. Yet, the true message of the artwork is revealed in its composition: the man’s face is made from numerous smaller photographs showcasing physical touch in the form of a hug. This brilliant application of tiny images of connection that collectively form a larger image of solitude effectively conveys the impact that the absence of physical touch had on this demographic. It transforms the initially depressing scene into a subtle yet powerful reminder of the importance of physical touch for both mental and physical well-being, delivering a powerful message about the vital role of a community.
It’s a collage of pictures, which are put together to show and elderly man with then a face mask on top
First glance
– We see an elderly man with a face mask making us as viewers think of the COVID 19 pandemic. Causing us to think about vulnerability and other emotion associated with this time.
– The choice of a dark background highlights the isolation lots of people felt at that time.
The smaller images making the collage, shows people hugging. The contrast between the acts of physical contact and the isolated man is used to reinforce and remind in the viewers mind how lonely people and the especially the elderly where in the pandemic.
Finally I think the choice of a collage to portray this art is done to create a blurred image. Making us as viewers distanced from the man in the photo, as we can see him clearly. Almost recreating the same feelings of being distanced that we felt in the pandemic.