|
Petticoat by Dorothy Ann Daly
|
|
Body Conscious is an inspiring exhibition by artist
Dorothy Ann Daly. Dorothy Ann is a Kilkenny born artist who now lives in
Berlin. She studied fine art painting in NCAD and textiles in Glasgow
School of Art. Since graduating in 1991, she has been making work and
exhibiting in Ireland and abroad. She has been a member of the 62 Group
of Textile artists since 1993.
Dorothy Ann suffers from multiple sclerosis and has been
confined to a wheelchair for the last four years. She has continued
making art despite living with a physically debilitating illness.
However her work changed when she was diagnosed in 1999.
According to the artist, 'Much of my past work referred
to self image. However I am no longer concerned about my size and body
shape in terms of fashion. It is now more important to me to maintain
what muscles I have and to strengthen my body.’
Replacing pencils with cotton and stitches, the artist has
made a series of pieces for exhibition in Waterford Regional Hospital
which explore the limitations of her body. In the words of Arts
Director, Mary Grehan, ‘The lightness and elegance of this work
belies the long and slow journey taken to make it. This exhibition is a
celebration of the creative spirit overriding physical limitations which
artists over the generations have demonstrated.’
Body Conscious is the first in a series of
exhibitions curated by the Waterford Healing Arts Trust for Waterford
Regional Hospital which explores artists’ interpretations and responses
to the body. It was opened in June 2012 by the artist Mary Ruth Walsh.
Click here to read Mary Ruth's text presented at the launch.
The launch was preceded by a public talk by the artist on the same day. Click here
to listen to Mary Grehan interviewing Dorothy about her work and her
experience of making art since her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in
the late 90s’.
The Waterford Healing Arts Trust acknowledges the financial
support of the Arts Council in making this exhibition possible.
For further information contact WHAT at 051 842664 or e-mail what@hse.ie.
A pdf of the exhibition catalogue is available to view here.
|
