Helena Walsh, Rewilding Territory - Convergence - Live Art Ireland - Bbeyond - Milford House - Photography Jordan Hutchings - 2022 |
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This site-specific durational performance responds to the history of Milford House. It explores the colonial history and territorial disputes associated with the site within Ireland’s struggle for independence. It further considers the present-day re-wilding of the estate woodland in relation to climate crisis and in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities caused by the impact of humans on the natural environment and other species. Equally, within the various lockdowns gendered inequality, particularly domestic violence and entrapment, came to public attention. Through the lens of eco-feminism, the performance examines the links between the violent exploitative practices of colonialism and the patriarchal, capitalist exploitation of women and the environment. Considering the sustainable, communal and seasonal environmental practices within Celtic Pagan culture, alongside the reverence afforded women and nature, the work draws on the symbolism of Celtic female deities. Playing with the themes of territorial militancy and re-wilding, the performance seeks to positively challenge capitalist, patriarchal exploitation through embodying a transformative femininity that positively reclaims space in an innovative, unapologetic manner. In doing so, it aims to create a contemporary re-imagining of what it is to inhabit, hold space and share communal environments. For more information see: ‘Borrisokane Georgian mansion to host international performance art festival’ in The Nenagh Guardian https://www.nenaghguardian.ie/2022/07/07/borrisokane-georgian-mansion-to-host-international-performance-art-festival/ https://www.live-art.ie/category/convergence/ https://bbeyond.live/convergence-live-art-ireland-bbeyond/ An image of this performance is also featured in ‘Live Art Ireland’ by Deej Fabyc in Visual Artists News Sheet, November to December 2022 |
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