Cathy Hayes
Mary De Vincentis
Ursula Burke
The Burning Roof is an online exhibition bringing together three artists, Cathy Hayes, Mary De Vincentis and Ursula Burke. From different backdrops and on divergent trajectories, these artists converge under the wordage of WB Yeats’ Sonnet ‘Lena and the Swan.’ Inadvertently, their work, practices and motivations interlink through themes of mythology, mysticism, historical classical and baroque reference, lived experience, emotion and societal politics.
All three produce work that is visually potent and enchantingly beautiful while simultaneously gurgling with the tension, chaos, frustrations and injustice of the patriarchy and dogmatism as recapitulated through history and inequitable culture and society. Their practices weave this narrative through varying visceral approaches, methods and mediums.
These artists, whether intentional or not, meet in a place where although veiled in paint, porcelain or thread, their work exudes fiery undercurrents of indignation, defiance and tenacity. They forge beauty from the embers of despondency. The work is not tapping on the glass ceiling, but passionately and exquisitely setting fire to the perennial roof.
Leda and the Swan
A sudden blow: the great wings beating still
Above the staggering girl, her thighs caressed
By the dark webs, her nape caught in his bill,
He holds her helpless breast upon his breast.
How can those terrified vague fingers push
The feathered glory from her loosening thighs?
And how can body, laid in that white rush,
But feel the strange heart beating where it lies?
A shudder in the loins engenders there
The broken wall, the burning roof and tower
And Agamemnon dead.
Being so caught up,
So mastered by the brute blood of the air,
Did she put on his knowledge with his power
Before the indifferent beak could let her drop?
PORCIA, UNSEEN & UNHEARD (AFTER SIRANI), 2020
mixed media on canvas
60 x 70 cm
23 5/8 x 27 1/2 in
PORCIA, UNSEEN & UNHEARD 2 (AFTER SIRANI), 2020
mixed media on canvas
60 x 70 cm
23 5/8 x 27 1/2 in
PORCIA, THE FIGHT, 2020
mixed media on canvas
60 x 70 cm
23 5/8 x 27 1/2 in