My research has explored aspects of morality in Ireland through the vehicle of the humorous or satirical t-shirt. I have investigated the attitudes to modern living issues such as racism, ageism, classism and homosexuality in our country. The driving force behind this project has been the fact that as a nation we often respond to moral dilemmas by making a joke about them and quickly disseminate it through text messages and email forwards.
The research looks at the t-shirt as an ideal platform that bridges the gap between what we will comfortably say in candid conversation and what we would never say in a more public forum. Over the past two years I have been listening to conversations as well as reading statements and opinions on a variety of topics prevalent in Ireland. These have all been documented and drawn on as a primary source for the development of ideas. Image and text are used to create comical juxtapositions of opposing values that in some way reflect on the moral standpoint of contemporary Irish society.
Alongside developing the t-shirts I have also created textile based art pieces for the MA show. These pieces exploit a variety textile processes including new textile printing technologies and are all executed on grey cotton jersey, a material synonymous with t-shirts. Presenting the work on this grey jersey is intended as a reflection on the grey area that exists between right and wrong.