Lough Neagh

Rita Donagh's work is characterised by a combination of personal and political themes. This drawing is from a loosely connected series made in the 1980s which concerned political situation in Nothern Ireland (Ulster), particularly 'the troubles', a period of often violent conflict between the Catholic IRA (Irish Republican Army), the Protestant Loyalists and the British Goverment. Maps of Ireland (Eire), and of Ulster begin to feature in her work from around 1980; the border between the two countries was (and still is) disputed between those who wish for an Ulster which is part of the United Kingdom, and those who want a united Ireland. Lough Neagh is near the Maze prison, also known as Long Kesh, notorious for the protests and hunger strikes (leading in some cases to death) by prisoners who were members of the IRA.