Déin Chécht’s

Porridge

This exhibition examines the contemporary and historical practice of folk medicine in Ireland. Drawing from personal interviews and archival research, traditional plant lore is combined with magico-religious beliefs about ‘the cure’, inherited healing abilities, the concept of the bean feasa and the role of place.

Inspired by the curative qualities of the Brat Bhríde, over the past year, medicinal plants found in Irish folklore have been gathered to make natural dyes with the resulting dyed fabric combined to create a textile work symbolising a panacea – a cure-all. Additionally, the exhibition will include drawings and a short film on the subject of folk healers. This exhibition expands upon an ongoing series called The Kildare Folklore Pharmacy and has been supported by Kildare County Council Arts Service.