Caoimhe Mooney

My work is driven by social inequalities, particularly the Palestinian conflict, acknowledging the unique agency textiles offer for activism and solidarity. My chosen mediums reflect a duality: my practice in Irish crochet lace, textile traditions, and a shared experience between Ireland and Palestine rooted in political histories and colonial legacies.

I employ textile traditions linked to women's labour to create a dialogue, achieved by pairing traditional Irish and Palestinian textile practices. My research led me to Fatin Al Tamimi and Tuqa Al Sarraj of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) who shared their knowledge of Palestinian hand embroidery.

This duality is expressed through motifs such as the Palestinian olive branch and the Irish ash leaf. Referencing 'Stitching the Intifada' by author and curator Rachel Dedman, and the intifada dress, my work includes two textile responses: one garment with seams exposed, and one front-facing garment, crafted using techniques learned through cultural transmission.