Quincanna Becnel

1/22/17
Digital Design

Art of the Emerald Isle

The art of Ireland, like that of many nations, has a rich and intricate history of expression.

This is from the patterns of weaving that have come to be identified as uniquely Irish, to the

Celtic metal and stone sculptures, the heavy influences of Christianity, to the political influences

on the art of the post-World War II era, in Ireland. Whatever the influences, art has been a core

means of expression for the Irish people. Much of the art of Ireland seems to echo equally love

and hate, pain and triumph. This is why it is a most interesting area to explore.

One of the most interesting forms of art of Ireland, is not in the paintings or the rhythmic

leaping and tapping dances, but in the pattern of their clothes. Specifically, Aran Sweaters. These

sweaters, now known as Irish cable knit sweaters served a practical, as well as expressive

purpose. On the Aran Islands these patterns were guarded vigorously with pride, as if they were

patented. Oftentimes the sweaters would assist in telling of any dead fishermen that washed up

onshore after accident at sea (Quills, n.d., para. 3). The patterns, often woven by the wives of

fishermen, were so intricate and unique, like a fingerprint, that no one else in the world would

have that same pattern. The artistry of this unique wearable art also told a story about the person

wearing it. The cable pattern would signify fishermans ropes, or a diamond patter would

represent the fields, some would even indicate whether the wearer was married, and the

hardships and happiness of that marriage, or the area from which they came (Quills, n.d.).

Contrasting the soft, warm, wearable art of the woven sweaters, with the cold, bronze sculptures
that line the streets of Dublin, depicting the Great Irish Famine of 1845-1849, in which a million

people died, mainly from starvation and its devastating effects, and a million people emigrated to

other lands (Discover Ireland, n.d.). The sculptures remind one of the Walking Dead, and show

the expression of sickness, sadness, and horror on the faces of the men, women, and children

rendered in cold metal. It is a reminder of the historical significance, as well as the political and

socioeconomic factors that led to this devastating event. The statues stand at the site of one of the

ships that departed the island, called Perseverance. This is significant as these statutes stand as a

memorial of those who died and a testament to the resilience of the Irish peoples spirit, to

persevere in spite of tremendous tragedy.

There is more art that expresses the dynamic spirit of Ireland than can be encapsulated in

a few paragraphs. The Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde said, Art is the most intense

mode of individualism the world has known (Brainy Quote, n.d.). In Ireland, the mass of

individual expressions through art converge to weave a pattern as intricate as the Aran sweaters.

These expressions have likely helped the Irish people remain connected and characterizes their

indomitable spirit. Another Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw said, Without art, the

crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable (Brainy Quote, n.d.). From looking at a

history where the Irish endured multiple wars, famine, and decades of political unrest,

complicated by a combination of religious, political, and historical conflict, it is no wonder their

art has served as means of shoring up the individual and strengthening the nation.
 References
Brainy Quote. (n.d.) George Bernard Shaw Quotes. Retrieved from
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/georgebern104152.html

Brainy Quote. (n.d.). Oscar Wilde Quotes. Retrieved from

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/o/oscarwilde122358.html

Discover Ireland. (n.d.). The Famine Memorial in Dublin. Retrieved from

http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/famine-memorial

Quills. (n.d.). History of the Aran Sweater. Retrieved from

https://www.irishgiftsandsweaters.com/history-of-the-aran-sweater