Hollie | Hollis

To elaborate on that, It’s a direct response to the genocide in Gaza. The change was the joy I feel in moments with Oisín and Cael as we play, then the sharp and distinct pain and guilt I feel knowing that all children want this freedom and whimsy. That there are children around the world that never get to play, carefree, through no fault of their own but because the brutal greed of the few in countries around the world. That they shake from shell shock and are alone. And being complicit and feeling helpless with these conflicting feelings. Oisín put the soft bag over his head and was playing with me, I took the photo because it was cute, then when looking back at it I realised it looked like a firing squad photo of people before execution. The brutality had crept in, only for me, my beautiful child completely oblivious to the connection. So sheltered and blissfully unaware. Upon completion of the painting a friend saw the “pulling of the wool” over ones eyes and that of our children. The reality of doing that for their protection but also the privilege of having that protection.

I needed to visually represent a conflict and contrast of feelings and emotions. The gold leaf, reminiscent of gilded religious images, is imitation gold leaf. This material was chosen specifically because it will begin to tarnish, discolour and fade. How long can war go on before we become discoloured and tarnished? Our faith and image, like those disused icons on the church walls, fading into dark, soiled shadows of a gold that once was.