Gillian Kenny
b. 1979, Ireland
We have tested and tasted too much, lover –
Through a chink too wide there comes in no wonder.
But here in this advent darkened room
Where the black dry bread and the sugarless tea
Of penance will charm back the luxury
Of a child’s soul, we’ll return to Doom
The knowledge we stole but could not use.
And the newness that was in every stale thing
When we looked at it as children: the spirit-shocking
Wonder in a black slanting Ulster hill
Or the prophetic astonishment in the tedious talking…
— Patrick Kavanagh, Advent
My practice arises from my relationship to my immediate everyday environment and my growing appreciation for the overlooked.
(Text: on the border of each other catalogue, 2003)
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