Niamh Tohill
she/her
The Hill of the Yew Tree
My practice explores the dramatic effect of migration in rural Ireland through the dereliction of old school buildings. ‘The Hill of the Yew Tree’ presents the gathered historical archive of these buildings throughout the early to mid 1950’s. As an educator, I became interested in the school buildings, exploring their identity through an archive depicting their presence and deterioration.
My process explores a variety of materials, substrates and matrices; a series of plaster cast impressions capture each building supported by an archive of photography exploring the loss and memory of the place. Utilising printmaking techniques such as embossings and silkscreen printing, I intend to capture the ghostly effect these buildings have on the landscape.
Memory, remembrance and nostalgia are the main themes I explore through this body of work. Looking at the histories embodied in our nation, this project looks to challenge contemporary perspectives on rural Ireland.
The Blackboard, wood and paint, 200cm x 75.4cm
Dossier pt 3, photography on Hahnemühle photo rag 308gsm, dimensions vary
Lurgain Iuir agus Doire Thom, blind embossings on Hahnemühle radiant white paper, 36.8cm x 24.7cm
Old school desk and blackboard
1891, casting with plaster of paris, dimensions vary
Dossier pt 2, photography on Hahnemühle photo rag 308gsm, 63cm x 14.8cm
The Archives, silkscreen printing on slate, 30cm x 60cm
Teaching Placements
- Dundalk Grammar School, Co. Louth
- Loreto College, Co.Cavan
- Virginia College, Co.Cavan