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Biophilia and The Domestic: Psychoterratic states and how these are expressed consciously and subconsciously in our spaces

Ally McGrath

She/her

This body of work is a response to our innate hunger for nature and our growing detachment from it in domestic spaces, much to the detriment of our physiological and emotional wellbeing.
Are the plastic plants and artificial wood textures in our homes a halfway point, a sacrificing of the real thing? Is there a need to still have some tie to it, however removed?
Nature interacting with our belongings often suggests the absence of us humans. However, in this work the opposite is true. Hand embroidery work and plant life build up, covering objects and taking over a corner of my previously stark, white bedroom and home studio. This visually documents time spent responding to the siren-like call of nature in my personal space. I am living in an installation that is slowly growing around me as I work from home during a global pandemic.

Biophilia And The Domestic, 2021

Biophilia And The Domestic, 2021

Accumulation

Accumulation

Biophilia and The Domestic, 2021

Biophilia and The Domestic, 2021

Object as Landscape

Object as Landscape

Biophilia and the Domestic, 2021

Biophilia and the Domestic, 2021

Perhaps You Ache for Freedom

Perhaps You Ache for Freedom

Biophilia and The Domestic, 2021

Biophilia and The Domestic, 2021

Details of Embroidery Work

Details of Embroidery Work

Biophilia and The Domestic, 2021

Biophilia and The Domestic, 2021

Artist Profile

Artist Profile

Teaching Placements

St. Kilian's Community School, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Loreto Catholic Girls' Secondary School, Bray, Co. Wicklow
St. John of Gods Carmona Services, Glenageary, Co. Dublin