Covid Embrace

Coflaid Cofid (Covid Embrace) is a creative project by Iola Ynyr, reacting to the support she received by other women during lockdown, funded by the Arts Council of Wales' Stabilisation Fund for Individuals and in partnership with Pontio and Gwynedd Council.

A digital experience was the culmination of this project, assessing how women can feel pressure from internal and external pressures. Looking at how lockdown forced women to re-asses their role within their families, work and themselves the project took a whole new look at women’s expectations, their fears and their role within social, political and spiritual expectations. By speaking openly through artistic expressiveness, the project showed how women share their experiences of bravery and fragility and that hardships are part of our path in life.

The project aimed to encourage women to reveal their hardest truths, the truths that are the opposite of what is ‘acceptable’ to share, however, by doing so in a safe and respected environment. Covid Embrace celebrates the arts ability to express, question and change the world through emotions, but also in society through shocking, contemplative and spiritual ways.

Click here to watch the final work over on Pontio’s Channel on the AM app and website.

The Artists

Iola Ynyr

Miriain Fflur

Nia Dryhurst

Denise Gough

Nurit Gordon

Lleucu Non

Marged Sion

Kristina Banholzer

Or Danon

Carys Gwilym

Lindsay Walker

Project Manager

Caryl McQuilling

Mentor

Sarah Argent

Editor

Dafydd Hughes

Iola Ynyr

“The idea of Coflaid Cofid grew after I attended many support groups for women at the beginning of lockdown. By talking openly about challenges and fears that stemmed from the unique time of lockdown, we were able to talk honestly and offer support to one another.

I’m a recovering alcoholic and therefore I’m used to sharing my experiences of how my mental and physical health have affected my wellbeing. However, Covid has forced all of us to face ourselves and recognise that our mental and physical health are fragile and are continuously changing.

Slowly, a casual conversation on the side of the road or online, became an experience, highlighting concerns and fragility. I cried and shared in ways I’d never experienced before, with women of all ages and backgrounds.

This digital project is a tribute to the bravery of women who are willing to dispel the ‘perfect’ image, to find the strength to deal with life in a practical and spiritual manner.”

Lleucu Non

"For me, Coflaid Cofid was an honest expression of the female reaction to the fluctuating world we live in. It showed how important a two-sided relationship between people is, especially between women. I contributed an animation, which portrayed my loneliness during lockdown. The validity by other women and other people, allowed me to express grave thoughts and feelings as well as happy memories."