This collection explores the Irish Celtic pagan festivals and the historic ritual sites where stories of ‘The Otherworld’ come from. Themes of ancestry, ritual, and culture are blended with the work of Irish sculptor Joseph Walsh whose contemporary pieces are streamlined and largescale. Comparing and integrating these sculptures to the Megalithic stonework art, such as stone circles and dolmens, establish monumental, structured shapes.
The garments created within this collection are fitted with sculptural silhouettes. These pieces are adorned with textural designs such as a built-up sculpture inspired by a ram’s skull, or line drawings which were reactionary to Drombeg Stone Circle in Glandore, Co. Cork which then were digitised, and 3D printed.
‘The Otherworld’ in Irish folklore is where deities and fairies (An t-Aos Sí) dwell, making it is a key component within Irish Mythology. It is said that the colour red represents An t-Aos Sí in these folktales and that is why red is one of the two main colours within the collection. Taking inspiration from these ancient rituals and ritual sites has led to a collection which is a personal interpretation of contemporary Celticism.