An exhibition organised by Naz Syed to celebrate and showcase the creativity of the people of south Wales through lockdown is on in Llantarnam Grange in Cwmbran.

The exhibition started in July and runs until 28 August. A spokesperson for the Grange said: “In these strange times, the human connections that we thrive on, are missing. Telling the stories of the community is so important – of hope, isolation, worries, memories, things that we hold close to us. What are we holding onto? What will we take forward from all of this?

“Llantarnam Grange is thrilled to announce an exhibition organised by Naz Syed, celebrating and showcasing the creativity of the people of south Wales throughout lockdown.

“In these strange times, the human connections that we thrive on, are missing. Telling the stories of the community is so important – of hope, isolation, worries, memories, things that we hold close to us. What are we holding onto? What will we take forward from all of this?

“Our hands tell a story and are a map of our lives and experiences. Naz Syed (Ziba Creative) and Llantarnam Grange’s mission is to enable the community to share their stories, record their thoughts and create digital memories by bringing them together online, and now in person again.

“Lost Connections features a dazzling display of crafted artwork, telling the stories of the lives of people, their connections and relationships, both lost, distanced, found and fruitful.”

The Lost Connections exhibition is part of a wider project, a digital gallery, blogs created by the community (featuring stories about their time in lockdown and the artwork it has inspired them to create) and a podcast. The results of this network of creative responses can all be found at lostconnectionsart.co.uk.

Louise Jones-Williams, Director of Llantarnam Grange said: “Showcasing and celebrating the outpouring of creativity that the first national lockdown brought is such a brilliant way to reflect on this difficult time. Naz’s devotion to this project has helped communities feel a little less alone, and a lot more connected – which is what art does best.”

Naz Syed, Organiser and Coordinator of the Lost Connections project, said: “Curating this project and the connections made over this time have meant so much to me and others. I am thankful to have the support of the team at Llantarnam Grange to bring Lost Connections to life. It feels the perfect place to showcase the collection of stories and art there, as it is my second home.”

Images of artwork featured in the exhibition are available for use with credits (Al l ‘courtesy Ziba Creative’) via Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ivv4rdhrgtalhe5/AAD3lu7KDZ8LVlAllWqkha38a?dl=0