FINE ART : FORMER ACNI

Title: Cornucopia
Object Name: Drawing
Maker: Maher, Alice (Primary maker)
Maher, Alice (maker)
Date Made: c.1988
c.1988
Description: 'Cornucopia' an allegorical figure from the western cannon, symbol of plenty and normally showing a classical female figure holding the horn of plenty. In this work instead of bouquets of flowers and fruits this female is herself a vessel, expelling a myriad of detritus and living organisms including a baby, a key, an urn, a secateurs, a rosary beads. The figure is contorted, its arms embracing and holding itself. A small figure in the shape of a font squats in front to catch the objects ejected from her convulsing body. This drawing was made at a time when the female body, its fertility and agency was under severe pressure and social control from the Irish church and state. (from discussion with the artist in March 2018) Made by the artist following her MA in Belfast.
Materials: Charcoal
Pastel
Catalogue Number: BELUM.U2012.3.587

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