A unique interactive art installation celebrating leading Irish women has been hailed as “innovative and inspirational.”
Commissioned as part of the Connect and Engage Programme for International Women’s Day at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), the artwork highlights the impact of Irish women across various fields. It aims to encourage students and staff to explore their achievements and contributions.
The piece was exhibited at TUS Athlone Campus and launched by University President Professor Vincent Cunnane, alongside one of the subjects of the artwork, Ireland’s first African Black Mayor, Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi.
Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi described the piece as inspirational, commending the student services team for their innovative and inclusive work. Speaking at the launch, she said, “I’m overwhelmed at the recognition and to be beside such powerful women. It’s just unbelievable. I am incredibly honoured and overjoyed to be depicted in this way on International women’s day. This is such an empowering feeling and I’m inspired to continue to work hard to represent women in the best possible way and continue to fight for equity for inclusion.”
The eight-by-eight-foot picture, created using Indian ink, depicts eight inspirational Irish women chosen by 2024 TUS graduate, visual artist, and graphic designer Louise Mullen. The women featured are St. Brigid, music icon and singer Sinead O’Connor, Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi, President Mary Robinson, President Mary McAleese, journalist and broadcaster Nell McCafferty, actress Saoirse Ronan, and author Deborah Somorin.
President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane said: “This incredible art installation by one of our very own graduates Louise Mullen, is a symbol of how we as an organisation, want to be represented and how we appreciate the need for the continued fight for equal rights, for all. Having past graduates of our university, like Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi, depicted in this work really highlights how higher education can be a catalyst to providing opportunities. Its about being in a place where you can realise your ambition in supportive manner and where women are celebrated and supported every day.”
Student Services Manager Sarah La Cumbre commented: “Our student-led interactive installation for IWD speaks to the ‘Community and Culture’ theme embedded within our Connect & Engage programme. It honors our commitment to supporting our students’ holistic development and celebrating our inclusive and diverse community at TUS.”
As part of the Connect and Engage with International Women’s Day at TUS: Interactive Art Installation, students and staff took photos alongside these remarkable figures and posted notes to an inspirational woman in their lives, sharing them on social media.
