El Abrazo

Abrazos, (hugs, in Spanish) boost oxytocin levels. Oxytocin levels alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Loneliness and isolation weaken the immune system. A weak immune system exacerbates feelings of isolation. During Covid, I used to dream I can hug everyone again. Nothing better than a good, comforting cuddle. This mosaic artwork, inspired by Matisse, was made during the first months of the Covid pandemic, when hugs and kisses, my preferred greeting modalities, had to be replaced by cold elbow bumps. The Hug…El Abrazo.