"The wearing of facemasks to stop the spread of COVID-19 is a strange addition to our ‘new normal’ and has dramatically changed  how we interact with the world and with each other.

 

However, this covering of the mouth and nose, while unusual, lends itself to new artistic interpretation and self-expression.

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As part of my Arts Health and Wellbeing studies, I am undertook an arts project investigating the health and wellbeing benefits of mask-making to alleviate mental health issues and improve social interactions in a time of COVID-19, using my own practice to experiment with the potential of masks as a tool for self-expression.

 

The result of the projects first iteration, Masked: Expression in Covid-19, is a virtual exhibition of over 100 masks created by myself, members of my family and friends, that explores self-expression and communication and provides insight into our individual experiences of lockdown. "

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Greta Ayto Art 2021