The period of pandemic lockdowns is still fresh in the memory for most of us – with many facing unprecedented challenges during one of the most uncertain times in recent history.
But as life returns to normal, a group has set itself a challenge to ensure the period is not forgotten and that the emotional impact it had on communities is recognised.
Through an innovative new project, they are setting out to document experiences of the community during that turbulent time.
The ‘Elephant in the Room’ has seen discussions take place at the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) in Paisley and older adult day services in the area.
The aim of those talks has been to elicit responses from users of the services about their experiences throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and how people coped and even grew from that episode in our shared history.
Responses will be incorporated into a sculptural artwork to embody and display the ‘Elephant in the Room’. The project’s driving force, artist and social historian, Lil Brookes explained the concept of the unique project.
She told the Paisley Daily Express: “The phrase ‘the elephant in the room’ commonly means to ignore something or not acknowledge an issue which is so obvious you shouldn’t really be able to ignore it.
“The phrase is often used in a group situation or meeting with others where awkward or possibly distressing emotions have been experienced and where acknowledgement of the impact of such should be shared, spoken of, remembered, and commemorated as a way to move forward.”
Art workshops are being led by artist Kevin Cantwell at the DRC to bring the elephant to life.
And Lil has been delivering a short series of reminiscence workshops with older adult day services clients which are being delivered at Ralston Day Centre and the Falcon Day Centre in Paisley.
Family members, support, and care staff will also be brought onboard for the project and given their chance to contribute to the “historical record”.
Lil continued: “The “elephant” in the room for the purposes of this project is our shared experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 to 2022.
“Shielding, social distancing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were all words and phrases which during the period of the pandemic became part of everyday speech.
“During this period, we all to a greater or lesser extent suffered stress coping with everyday life.
“It has also been a period of discovery with many stories to be told and shared of personal courage in adversity, of smiling through pain and being inventive to celebrate getting together even if only on screen via Zoom!”
Following the host of workshops taking place in the coming weeks, a short “talking heads” style film will be made to provide detail about the unique project and the inspiration behind it.
And upon completion of the project a short public exhibition of the ‘Elephant in the Room’ sculpture, themed artworks, photographs and the “talking heads” film will be held at the Art Department on Causeyside Street at the beginning of next month.
Lil says she hopes to have response forms available at the exhibition to enable visitors to complete and return and to have their memories commemorated and celebrated.
The project is funded by Renfrewshire Council’s culture heritage & events fund.
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