Kathrine Geoghegan is a Kildare based artist. She has exhibited extensively including the Royal Ulster Academy, Belfast, The Signal Arts Centre, Bray and the Origin, Dublin
Artist’s Statement – Kathrine Geoghegan
My work concerns itself with the endurance of the Irish spirit. In this our Centenary year, I have walked the sites of the Easter Rising and observed the native plants growing there. These same plants would have grown there 100 years ago. They are survivors.
I wish to describe something less grave, more positive, while respectfully remembering our history, and our proclaimed purpose to cherish all the children of the nation equally.
To me these plants embody qualities of courage, strength and tenacity. They reflect the Irish spirit which has endured despite societal difficulties, economic hardship, and at times poor leadership which allowed greed to take a hold.
Over the past century, we Irish have taken our place on the European and World stage. Our culture has radiated far and wide – our literature, music, dance and art. We contribute as an equal partner within the European community. Our language is officially recognised, an intrinsic part of a sovereign country. We are self-confident, more self-reliant, more secular – we question, we speak out, we take the lead when called for. The recent marriage equality referendum is testament to this courage and compassion.
I want the work to reflect these qualities