Gaolbreak, 2017
Installation views of the exhibition Gaolbreak, 2017 in the atrium of Cork City Hall, 2017, curated by Pluck Projects, mixed media installation: sheeting and duvet covers. Dimensions variable, sheeting 10m x 2.4m, duvet covers aprox. 2m x 2m. Exhibition accompanied by a catalogue with an essay by Prof. Jessica Hemmings, Professor of Crafts & Vice-Prefekt of Research at the Academy of Design & Crafts (HDK), University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Supported by Cork City Council Project Scheme. Photo credit: Jed Niezgoda.
In November 1923, prisoners held at Cork City Women’s Gaol launched an escape attempt. Tying together bed sheets to construct a rope ladder, they descended from the walls of the prison and made their bid for freedom. Gaolbreak draws on this history to create a large scale fabric installation in the atrium of Cork City Hall, the administrative headquarters of Cork City Council. Knotted lengths of bedding fall from the building's balconies, referencing this story of revolt in recognition of Ireland’s Decade of Commemorations. Using contemporary items from low-cost suppliers like Michael Guineys and Penneys, Gaolbreak considers the prospective connections between everyday devalued materials and their extraordinary potentials. Accompanying text available to view here: www.jessicahemmings.com
