Kate Hartley
she/her
Changeling
This project delves into the tragic narrative of Bridget Cleary, whose life was tragically cut short by suspicion and misogyny in 1895, in the town of Ballvadlea, County Tipperary.
This multidimensional installation merges drawing, photography, film, and sculpture, utilising a diverse palette of materials that comprise granite, metal, red threads, copper, birch, mirror, glass, lace, and linen. The installation is intended to evoke tension, fear, and the enduring struggle for women’s autonomy throughout history.
By intertwining Bridget Cleary’s story with the contemporary crisis of gender-based violence, the project seeks to elicit empathy and spark a dialogue on addressing the alarming trend of femicide.
Inspired by artists such as Ana Mendieta, Yoko Ono, Tracey Emin, and Poppy Jackson, who explore themes of identity, violence, and female empowerment, this project grounds itself in rigorous historical research. This includes Angela Bourke’s, ‘The Burning of Bridget Cleary’; combined with insights from ‘The Fairy Wife’ by Curious Dog Films as well as in-situ exploration of Cloneen, Bridget's final resting place.
Ultimately, this project aims to bridge past and present, igniting meaningful conversations and prompting action against gender-based violence.
b o u n d , layered photography with red thread, leaves, birch, dimensions vary
c h a n g e l i n g, charcoal, coal, birch charcoal, chalk, red thread, stainless steel, 240cm x 160cm
r e t u r n, photography, coal dust, coal, birch charcoal, dimensions vary
w e a v e, threads through glass, 52cm x 52cm
t h r e a d s, installation close-up images
t h r e a d s, copper wire, red thread, linen and wax, 150cm x 120cm
c h a n g e l i n g 2, photographic image, dimensions vary
c o n t a i n, copper 1/2 inch pipe, red thread, wax, birch charcoal, 50cm x 75cm
i n b e t w e e n, layered photography, dimensions vary
t e n s i o n, formed wire, red thread, 38cm x 23cm
Research
s e l f - p o r t r a i t
w o r k b o o k
w o r k b o o k
e n c a s e d
i m p r e s s i o n, photographic documentaiton of a performance, dimensions vary