How does the COVID-19 pandemic feel for you? How are you navigating lockdown and social distancing?

The Arts Society’s Isolation Artwork Competition, in support of young artists and students during lockdown, asked for entries across the country in response to the theme of isolation and to produce new works that reflect the artists experience of life during a pandemic. Now eight of these young artists, aged between 18 and 22, have been shortlisted and their artworks will form a virtual exhibition hosted on The Arts Society Connected website. Members of the public will have a chance to vote for their favourite.

Many of the works explore feelings of uncertainty, isolation, loneliness as well as nature, connection, and love, using subject matter ranging from self-portrait to shielding loved ones, and materials ranging from acrylic to biro and pencil. One of the shortlisted artists is 20-year-old Abigail McGourlay from Sheffield who has had two of her paintings chosen for competition. One of her paintings is self-portrait titled Brewing which sees Abigail drinking a cup of tea in the bath, two things she has found comforting during lockdown.

Main image: Abigail Mcgourlay, Brewing