The lived experiences of women is the primary subject of Irish Gothic, a retrospective by Patricia Hurl at the Irish Museum of Modern Art until July 2. Hurl explores hardship faced by mothers, sisters and friends: women warriors affected by horrific acts, often powerless to ease the suffering of loved ones. Using sketchbooks, diaries, magazine and newspaper cuttings she draws on her own experience to explore the suburban home as an imperfect ideal. This is the first significant exhibition by the Dublin born artist – much admired by colleagues – whose work traverses painting, multi-media and collaborative practice. Hurl is?part of Na Cailleacha, a collective of European women artists, filmmakers and musicians whose concerns embrace the processes of ageing, personal loss, loneliness and stereotypes of the older woman as witch or hag. Pictured here is Living Room by Patricia Hurl (Denis Mortell Photography, image copyright of the artist).
