WATER RITUAL: MIRROR MARTYR MIRROR MOON

Every Thursday (5.30-6.30pm) and Saturday (10-11am) during the exhibition. Please book online. 

As part of Jesse Jones’ solo exhibition Mirror Martyr Mirror Moon, Ikon hosts a unique water ritual. Participants are invited to experience an interactive eye-cure ceremony, which transmits Irish folk collecting practices and prepares visitors for a private encounter with Artemisia Gentileschi’s Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria (about 1615-17).

The sacred water used in the ritual has been collected by anthropologist Sara O’Rourke, who works in collaboration with Jesse Jones. The water is from a 7th Century Irish holy well in the village of Brandon, County Kerry, which has a folk history of homeopathic healing properties.

Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria (about 1615-17) by Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1654 or later) is presented as part of National Treasures, a key strand of the programme celebrating the National Gallery’s Bicentenary, NG200.

Jesse Jones’ exhibition is supported by The Ampersand Foundation, Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Ireland and The Finnis Scott Foundation. It is presented as part of Ikon’s 60th anniversary year.