A STRIKING new exhibition by a local artist was opened at the Copperhouse Gallery in Dublin recently by Amnesty International Ireland director and Wexford man Colm O’Gorman who described the work as “fundamentally life affirming.”
Bernadette Doolan undertook the craft project ‘196’ after hearing a news bulletin about the number of children who had died in State care between 2000 and 2010 – the number came to 196.
“I felt the need to do something about it but what could I do? I realised as an artist I bring awareness through my art.”
So Bernadette got to thinking again and came up with the idea of spoons as they represent nurturing but also played on the idea of being born with a silver spoon in the mouth – a contrast to those who had passed away in care.
She said: “In my piece there are 196 spoons – one to represent every child who died within this time period. Each spoon is unique and individual, just like every child born into this world. I feel we should all have the same opportunities available or at the very least we should have the best start to help us grow and allow us to take our place in the world as adults.”
Made with porcelain and natural branches, the spoons are fragile yet strong, something which highlights both the vulnerability and strength of the children. The spoons are imprinted with words which are relevant to every human being coming into the world.
“I have chosen words like mother and father, through to grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, carers, teachers and mentors – all the people who culminate to play an integral part in a young and precious life. I have also used descriptive words such as nurture, love, compassion, laughter, happiness, safety, support and so on.”
[Full story in this week’s Echo]
