Orkney Phase 2: Jake Ghaleb

In the Orkney Islands, Remembering Together projects have been commissioned in five communities: Flotta, Shapinsay, East Mainland, North Ronaldsay and Sanday.

Meet Jake Ghaleb, the artist working in Sanday.

‘During initial consultation with The Afternoon Club, it was requested by the community that on Sanday the creative space would take the form of a Labyrinth. This will provide the opportunity to reflect on the shared profound experience of the pandemic. It was felt that the Covid lockdowns offered folk a chance to pause and connect with nature, so to have a ‘living space’ was important when considering how the project would look on Sanday.

Jake Ghaleb

Labyrinths throughout history have represented growth and change, they are reflective of our evolving journey through life. Differing to a maze, a Labyrinth has one winding path, that leads to one central point. Although twisting and turning, a labyrinth will not allow you to get lost, but walk towards your central goal. Within the first year, the surrounding paths will be planted with Calendula, which in the flower language means joy, remembrance; but also grief, as a poignant reminder of what the pandemic meant to many. Over the five years that the project will last, the beds around the path will be planted with a broader selection of perennial flowers, and a hedge will begin to establish creating a more intimate space.’

Groups on the Island are invited to contact Jake in order to contribute towards sharing their experiences, thoughts and memories of the pandemic and lockdowns, which will be engraved onto standing stones which will be placed around the Labyrinth.