Rebekah McIntyre

From childhood people’s perceptions of others are poisoned by the sectarian attitudes ingrained in Northern Irish society. In a wider context discrimination in all forms, whether that be racism, homophobia, or misogyny shapes who we are as people. 

When revisiting the small village, I grew up in, near the border between the North and South of Ireland. I noticed barricades, fences and gates scattered throughout the area which stand as a metaphorical divide to keep the community separated. As well as dilapidated and rusty surfaces which represent how the area has been neglected and fallen into disrepair due to past conflicts. 

As a textile designer, I have taken the imagery of cold metallic interwoven fences as well as rusted weathered surfaces to depict the weathered social landscape of Northern Ireland and transform it into something positive. From this, I have developed two collections which subvert the meaning of what these objects represent to create contemporary knitwear which celebrates the beauty and inspiration which can be derived from initially mundane and ugly surfaces. I have designed knit samples for a fashion context to celebrate the vibrancy and opportunity for change that new generations bring to the world. I have visualised my samples being used for contemporary balaclavas to redefine the connotations of the headpiece into something that celebrates youth and vibrancy.