CITY MUSEUM
Some of Ireland’s most exciting contemporary
jewellers re-interpret the iconic forms of Celtic neckpieces, torcs and
lunulas for the 21st Century. The function of jewellery has always been
to convey status. This was particularly true of the torc, whose
ostentatious size and weight could communicate the force and power of
the wearer. But in contemporary usage, the torc has become an object of
kitsch, often geared towards the tourist. But if we were to design
neckpieces now that conveyed something about us – as Irish – to the
world, what would they say? And what would they look like? Would they be
gold? Recycled? Injection moulded? Would they be images of power and
beauty? Shackles? Or blue collars?
21st Century Icons offers a unique opportunity for 21 of Ireland’s
most innovative and creative makers to suggest some answers. Curated by
Ann Mulrooney. The makers responses have included inspiration from a
vast array of influences including the National Museum’s Bronze Age gold
collection (Inga Reed); sheep’s wool from Co. Waterford (Eily
O’Connell); the spiritual warrior women of Irish legend (Melissa Curry);
Celtic lunulas (Christina Brosnan); the Tudor style ruff (Rachel
McKnight); the 21st century neckpiece, the ipod headphones (Sam
Hamilton); social networking (Laura McNamara) and tangles of Irish
branches and tree roots (Emma Bourke).
The exhibition, which is curated by Ann Mulrooney, will continue
until 2nd August 2012 at Galway City Museum.