Departures

A lady sits and listens to voices of people who have been forced into economic emigration from Ireland.

From an exhibition at the anual Bloom garden show. This garden was titled DEPARTURES. The following is from their website.

( A projected 75,000/1.6% of Irish people will emigrate this year; the aim of this conceptual garden is to provoke thought on the current culture of emigration in Ireland.

The installation investigates the motivations of the emigrants in a contemplative setting. Past, current and future emigrants are given an opportunity to explain their motivations for leaving. These stories will be played aurally throughout the space.

Woven amongst the trees floats a strip of portraits revealing the emigrants who are telling their stories. The lack of a link between the voices and images ads ambiguity and a sense wonder also allowing the viewer to attach the story to anyone they may know.

The temporary nature of this garden and its materials reflects the situation; emigration for many will not be permanent. )

David Lane