EMMA BOURKE, 21ST CENTURY ICONS, GALWAY 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. 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.