An exhibition of fabric craft made by eight women of different nationalities now living in Mayo
This exhibition consists of a stunning range of work which is the result of a joint project undertaken by the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life and Mayo Inter-cultural Action group (MIA), and facilitated by community artist Carmel Balfe. MIA is a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) dedicated to issues of immigration and integration in county Mayo.
Background to the Exhibition
The project was prompted by a desire to continue and deepen museum engagement with new communities living in Ireland, and to explore the relevance of the museum and its collections to these communities. After an initial familiarisation visit and guided tour of the exhibitions, participants undertook weekly visits to the Museum in October and November 2008. Each week, the women worked with their own individual techniques using tools and materials specific to their craft.
Each participant has brought a flavour of her own culture to fruition through her individual work.
The sharing of craft skills and ideas amongst the group and with museum staff was - an important element of the project. The sharing of personal stories that emerged through the medium of craft was also important and an interview with each participant was recorded during the project.
The Exhibition
The quality of the craft skills and the resonances with the museum exhibitions led to a proposal to exhibit the finished work. The finished work is displayed alongside the permanent exhibits of the Museum.
The Participants in this Project were
Faoziya Yussuf from Nigeria
Olanike Ogundare from Nigeria
Favour Ezenna from Nigeria
Joanna Kuruc from Poland
Natalia Pestova from Russia
Phaw Shee Hta from Burma
Hsar Bway Say from Burma
Mi Nyel Win from Burma
Common Threads Exhibition Catalogue (0.42 MB, Adobe PDF)