21st CENTURY ICONS EXHIBITION NOW SHOWING IN DUBLIN

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? In 21st Century Icons, some of Ireland’s most exciting contemporary jewellers re-interpret the iconic forms of Celtic neckpieces, torcs and lunulas for the 21st century.

Emma Bourke and Róisín de Buitléar are among the exhibitors in 21st Century Icons. The exhibition was curated by Ann Mulrooney and after its success at the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny, is now showing at Rathfarnham Castle, Rathfarnham Road, Dublin 14. The exhibition will run until 15th April 2012.

E: rathfarnhamcastle@opw.ie
W: www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/RathfarnhamCastle/
T: 01 493 9462