In This Shirt: Door (2021)

Perched on an angle against a wall there is a dusty, cobwebbed, and oppressive old door. It stands in for outdated patriarchal attitudes, religious constraints, and the restrictions of freedom that conditioned growing up gay, and at a time of violence, in the North of Ireland.

Door represents the difficult thresholds in life that we each must cross, to grow, become strong and thrive.

A wasps’ nest of bronze is building up quietly on the surface. It is gently becoming the form that it needs to be to protect the emerging change inside. A metamorphosis, delicate and strong.

Held within a contrasting frame, Door is unlocked and without a strike. The awkward portal that, once crossed becomes our gateway of courage should we ever choose to return.

materials: Cedar, brass, cobwebs, maple