CGI video, 3D prints, immersive installation.
Mollie Mia Murphy weaves Irish oral history into visual forms to explore and lament on the lasting consequences of the early 19th century Ordnance Survey. During this time, the land was commodified, having been measured by chains. By examining the ecological impact of historical colonialism on language, culture and changes in land use, Murphy reveals the connection that has been lost between humans and nature.
From in-depth reading of Irish folklore recorded in the National Folklore Collection Murphy has gathered mythical stories of the revenge of nature on those who attempt to meddle with its sacred resources. Using research from the National History Museum and the National Botanic Gardens Murphy has recreated regionally extinct insects and correlates their extinction with the loss of these revenge stories.
Playing with the tension between reality and myth in Irish folklore, this body of work represents digital portals which pour into our reality in the form of 3D prints of the regionally extinct water beetle, Bidessus Minutissimus.
Link to catalogue: NCAD Works
Link to publication: Mollie Mia Murphy - Irish Arts Review