Feltmakers Ireland member Karena Ryan‘s piece, ‘Redemption in Red,’ has been selected for the ‘Bloodroot’ group exhibition. Over 100 female Irish artists explore themes of human relationships and belonging through their work. The Hamilton Gallery and the Embassy of Ireland, Netherlands, present the exhibition. It opens at the Pulchri Studio, in their Klinkenberg Galleries in The Hague (Netherlands), on the 22nd of January and runs until February 5th. It celebrates women, creativity, and Lá Fhéile Bríde (Bridgid’s Day).

The exhibition is inspired by the poetry of Annemarie Ní Churreáin, who selected four powerful poems from her debut collection ‘Bloodroot’.

Six Ways to Wash Your Hands (Ayliffe, 1978) for the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation
Bog Medicine
Sisters
Market Prayer

‘Redemption in Red’, symbolises a deeply personal act of redemption and remembrance. The hand-embroidered portrait of Karena Ryan’s daughter celebrates her innocence, hope, and the freedom to begin life with love and dignity—something denied to the children in the nearby Tuam Mother and Baby Home. As a mother, she seeks to give comfort and solace to the mothers of the institutions who mourn, honouring their pain and loss.

“The act of hand stitching is meditative and embodies care and compassion, a contrast to the neglect the children and mothers endured. The red thread is a symbol of connection, love, and remembrance. It represents the bond between mother and child and the shared humanity that connects us to those who suffered in the Mother and Baby Homes.” – Karena Ryan, artist.

To see the pieces and read the poetry, visit the Hamilton Gallery’s website – https://hamiltongallery.ie/bloodroot-la-fheile-bride-2025-the-hague

Instagram links: @karenaryantextiles @hamilton.gallery @pulchristudio @irelandinnl @annemarienichurreain

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