Rest

In contrast to this sexual context, Rita Donagh’s Irish and Anglo-Irish background enables her to drew on the problems of Northern Ireland and terrorist violence. ‘Counterpane’(1987) reflects a bombing and the death of a soldier in Regents Park, London. Significant to this exhibition is the use of a political issue and the death of a soldier. The link to other beds is the exercise of fabric and drapery, a worn-out patchwork quilt covering the dead Bandsman. ‘A quilt found in her Uncle’s Irish cottage and stitched by female antecedents.’ Donagh says, "‘Counterpane’ clearly touches on my past and creativity of women…..and intense personal concerns," (Watkins 2005). Similarly, Bai Yiluo’s ‘Lay Down:hospital bed’ (2007), symbolises Chinese culture and the loss and hope of a nations life, (Saatchi 2008). In the same way both Donagh and Bai Yiluo depict the bed as a resting place with presence, one soldier for Donagh and 2000 people for Bai Yiluo. Eastern art is an emerging trend, therefore Bai Yiluoi’s (Saatchi 2008) is the one specific of Eastern social culture. In both cases the artefacts are significant to the bed.

Counterpane - Rita Donagh 1987

Lay Down Hospital Bed - Bai Yiluo 2007