Miriam O'Connor Small-scale studies for brighter futures

This work was created through a collaborative commission with students from Cork University Business School that focused on the economics of sustainable growth. These colourful tracings outline the treetop of an Irish yew tree featured in another work by Miriam O'Connor which was part of the same project. 

Suggesting links to the four business quarters of the year, the tracings mimic candlestick charts, key analytical markers associated with business for assessing the attitude, mood, and actions of marketplace traders. The Yew tree is traditionally revered for its medicinal and spiritual qualities, yet can be toxic to humans and animals alike. The artist and the students were concerned with symbolising individual resistance and taking action as a tool towards a fairer society. The artist has stipulated that the order of the four tree photographs should change when significant world events arise, indicated the inherent instability of our natural world as well as financial markets.