Hope for a Better Past 

The MAC, Belfast 

2013

 

The rich and complex cultural landscape of Belfast since the Belfast Agreement acts as backdrop to the porcelain sculpture and the embroidery work that makes up this exhibition.

 

Walking around this space you are introduced to surreal representations of sectarian ritual. The flag protest, protagonists with conflicting interests and common culture are among some of the depictions in this body of work.

 

Burke’s sculptural work is layered with historical art references, elements of the surreal and often present dark and humorous constructions. A recurrent theme lies in the subversion of traditional conceptions of the medium such as porcelain or embroidery, when placed within a fine art context.

 

Through her work she realises provocative, playful and often surreal representations that not only challenge established codes of signification, but also reference socio-political concerns.