Katrina O'Brien

Says Katrina O'Brien of her work: “This body of work was inspired by Martha Wainwright singing 'Proserpina', one of the last songs written by her mother, Kate McGarrigle. This song took me by surprise. I hadn’t heard it before, though it was from 2012, from Martha’s album 'Come Home To Mama'. I didn’t recognise her voice at first as my introduction to her was many years earlier with her song, 'BMFA'. I had searched for it a day or two prior, remembering how angsty and perfect it was when I was a young woman.

"The Martha in 'Proserpina' was something different altogether. I felt a real feminine cry, far stronger in its intent even though it was much more delicate. A mother, Ceres, wandering the earth searching for her daughter, Proserpina, who had been stolen by the god of the underworld, Pluto. Taken from her youth, while picking flowers in a field with her friends. And so, I was swept into the world of Greek and Roman Mythology. Full of rich imagery and dark tales.

"Over the last few years, I have borne witness to the love and strength of some really spectacular women. They aren’t self-seeking, and they want no recognition. They make promises to protect, and go to the ends of the earth to keep them. They comfort the dying. They boldly go where others would crumble. They love unconditionally.

"These works are for all the mothers, nurturers, protectors. The ones who would go to the ends of the earth, or swim through a lake of fire to protect their children and the people they love. This is for my own mother, the mothers in my life, and the mother figures who watch over others.”