Artwork reflects distancing

Called 2 Metres Apart - Diptych, it features two large, monochrome oil paintings on canvas together with social distancing hazard warning tape, and is a reflection on social distancing and wearing masks.

“In this diptych I wanted to show how hard it is to have any real human connection in the strange world we now live in,” explained Morgan, an art student at Leeds Arts University whose artwork portrays two young people in masks, separated by social distancing tape.

“We can’t physically touch and often we can’t even read people’s facial expressions due to the prevalence of face masks,

“Although all of these measures are put in place for our own health and public benefit, there is no denying that it creates additional barriers to try to make friendships and have meaningful conversations.

“The text on the tape then has a double meaning, not only showing our physical distance from one another, but also our emotional distance.”

The piece is described by Rev Nick Morgan of St Mary’s Church as a helpful addition to the church environment.

“The way the work cuts across the intimate mother and son windows featuring Mary and Jesus really does highlight the theme of lack of intimacy and emotional distance which Susannah was dealing with in the artwork,” said Rev Morgan.

“Some people may find these impassive, monochrome, masked faces disturbing, but I think art has an important role to play in helping us grapple with our own feelings about the ongoing challenge of living with emotional and physical distance from other people.

“Alongside the piece, to help people in their reflections on the issues and challenges which the artwork raises, we have offered some Bible verses and a prayer.”

The temporary exhibition will be open daily at the church from 9am-3pm until the end of November.