Curator Statement: This exhibition marks Na Cailleacha’s (the Irish word meaning witches or divine hags) first year in collective practice. The group of 8 older women, 6 visual artists, I musician and I curator, came together to explore issues around creativity, visibility, isolation, health and collective practice from an older feminist perspective. Na Cailleacha’s is committed to raising awareness and promoting public discussion about these issues, in keeping with Gloria Steinem’s assertion that ‘Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age’.
The title of the exhibition alludes to the play of rational and irrational instincts in the creative process, especially challenging in relation to ageing and loss of capacity.
Among the work created during our first year together we are presenting Therry Rudin’s documentary film, Dawn to Dusk (big screen), which records our first year together; a performance video, The Writing Room by Therry Rudin and Patricia Hurl (in the small room); and a collaborative film by Barbara Freeman and Carole Nelson (in the nook).
We are showing the Na Cailleacha version of the Guerilla Girls famous poster on the Advantages of being a Woman Artist (made with their co-operation), alongside new work from our second residency at the Ballinglen Art Foundation in July.
The exhibition is curated by Na Cailleacha’s curator, Catherine Marshall.
