Through the use of traditional craft and a performative photo series, Heather Rose Murphy reimagines the narrative of the “Wren” women who lived among the furze bushes of the Curragh plains. Drawing on their communalistic way of life, the piece explores the social spaces of women in Irish history.
By deconstructing James Greenwood’s 1867 text on the “Wrens”, Murphy recontextualises their legacy and agency as an interdependent community of women.
The title ‘Aiteann na mBan’ is a wordplay on the Irish translation of both “furze” and “places” of women, reclaiming the bushes as a space of female connection.
Performative actions at the Curragh. A family of women weave themselves together using wool
Mother/daughter amongst the furze bushes
An infinite, interdependent circle where each woman braids another's hair
Furze flower fabric dyeing, a traditional ritual of women
Installation space
Hand-bound leather book. Documents the performative photo series, and includes tactile fabric samples used within the piece
Scold's Bridle light frame. Reimagining the narrative of oppressive objects
Interaction with the piece
Linen that has been dyed using furze flowers
