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- Niamh Holly
Niamh
Holly
Rise
My project is concerned with condemning patriarchal systems and strategies ingrained into society which assist capitalist agendas and traditional power structures. My work takes apart patriarchal systems by exploring themes such as ‘gaslighting’, ‘mansplaining’, gender stereotypes and the fear of female power.
I use text as the main subject matter in many of my works in order to confront the viewer with subversive phrases and affirmations, inviting them to respond to the artwork. These works are informed by studying methods of détournement, subversion and semiotics – particularly the use of codes and signs. The fonts and colours I choose for each word and block of text are all relevant and it is important that they maintain an aesthetic flow for the viewer whilst also connoting ideas of gender and sexuality.
Due to the college closure, I had to quickly figure out how I would be able to continue my practice at home without all the facilities that were available to me in college which I thought were essential for the realisation of my work. I have continued making work from home but of course, the pandemic has influenced the way I make work and my subject matter.