Burial of a touch

This is a project I was working on during the lockdown when due to COVID-19, people had to adopt new ways of living and interacting with each other. Lockdowns and social distancing measures drastically reduced physical contact, leading to a loss of touch that can have profound psychological and physiological effects. 

 

Touch is essential for our development as social creatures, helping to establish feelings of safety, security, and connection with others. It plays a crucial role in regulating emotions, reducing stress, and promoting well-being. Isolation from loved ones, and the inability to hug or hold hands with friends and family members has been challenging, especially for those living alone. This loss of physical touch can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. 

 

Touch stimulates the release of oxytocin, which reduces stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation, and regulates the immune system. Without regular touch, our bodies may experience increased levels of stress and inflammation, negatively impacting our overall health. These photographs capture this reality.