Misaligned

This new body of work explores themes of grief and post-traumatic growth. Hinging on what is left behind, this exhibition uses the camera, objects, and art materials I inherited from my late father.

The exhibition takes its title, Misaligned, as a nod to the shared love of art, in particular the printmaking practice between my father and me. In printmaking, misalignment occurs when layers fail to register correctly, creating a sense of displacement. Similarly, his death feels like a disjointed reality that at times I struggle to reconcile - things simply don’t line up. An emotional disconnect that underscores the paradox of grief: the pain of loss alongside the enduring gift of love. A co-existence of presence and absence.

Integral to the work is the concept of objects as “information packages.” Each item holds fragments of identity, prompting existential questions about legacy—not only the physical traces left behind, but also the lessons and inspiration that continue to resonate in the lives of those who remain. Rooted in personal experience and informed by my training in Art Psychotherapy, the exhibition addresses the complexity of loss and the practical realities of death. The work aims to provide a safe and reflective space for viewers to engage with this universal experience, while also confronting the societal taboo surrounding open discussions about death.

In celebrating the friendship between my father and me, this body of work offers a testament to how relationships with deceased loved ones do not end with their passing, but transform into something new.

The work is on show at Ulster Presents until 20th February 2025. A special thanks to the Arts Council Northern Ireland, for their support with creating this latest body of work.