Artist Statement

Looking for Light is an exhibition of works rich in symbols. Julie Corcoran’s conceptual photography is based on strong feminine visuals that are processed on computer to look more like paintings than traditional photographs.

“The issues I’m most passionate about are the treatment and perception of women in social, cultural and political contexts. I utilise strong visuals to deliver a message of empowerment. Particularly in relation to gender and identity; challenging the misogynist’s agenda, championing the power of self-belief”

Room 1

The exhibition begins with the protagonist is trapped in different ways, by different situations. Julie’s piece, ‘Glass Ceiling’ reminds us not to be complacent, don’t assume the battle for equality has been won.

Room 2

In the main exhibition space we explore the spiritual path to ascension with two propagated ideals of the feminine;

“The church venerates two ideals of the feminine - consecrated chastity in the Virgin Mary and regenerate sexuality in the Magdalene. Populous as the Catholic pantheon is, it is nevertheless so impoverished that it cannot conceive of a single female saint independently of her relations (or lack of relations) with men.”

Marina Warner, ‘Alone of all her sex - The Myth and Cult of the Virgin Mary.

Absolution

Inspired by 14th-17th century depictions of Mary Magdalene, I made this photograph after reading Marina Warner’s book and the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation Final Report 2020 (present in the foreground).

“The Magdalene, like Eve, was brought into existence by the powerful undertow of misogyny in Christianity”

Marina Warner. 

“While mother and baby homes were not a peculiarly Irish phenomenon, the proportion of Irish unmarried mothers who were admitted to mother and baby homes or county homes in the twentieth century was probably the highest in the world”

“It was widely believed that many first-time unmarried mothers became prostitutes”

 Mother and Baby Homes Final Report, 2020.