Caoimhe Cronin’s practice explores and responds to social theories of ‘hyper reality’ as it pertains to the commercialisation of Irish culture. She questions the perception of our reality and examines it from the perspective of a childhood memory of a holiday. Upon noticing abandoned houses that have been painted over with nostalgic scenes of an Ireland gone by, she began questioning the message that was being conveyed to the viewer. It is a perfect representation of ‘theme parking’ embedded into our culture. Caoimhe’s work is a response to how Ireland is perceived globally. She has created a series of postcards with romanticised and stylised imagery of the Irish coast and rural landscapes for display and sale in an immersive space alongside other typical Irish merchandise. By emulating the tacky mementos everyone collects throughout their childhood and travels, she is commercialising on the aesthetics associated with Ireland through the lens of the typical Irish seaside holiday.
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