Those Stone-faced Dolmen

Those Stone-Faced Dolmen: Art Reflecting on Legacy and Loss
"Those Stone-Faced Dolmen" is an evocative project by award-winning artist Molly McFadden, currently featured in the Sigmund Freud House, London. This profound body of work draws inspiration from the windsocks on the Foyle Bridge in Derry, Molly’s home city in the North of Ireland—a poignant symbol tied to the region’s struggles with mental health. The Foyle Bridge, tragically known as a site where many have taken their lives, serves as a backdrop for Molly’s exploration of themes surrounding suicide, the legacy of the Troubles, and the enduring sectarian divide.

Through her art, Molly delves deeply into the psychological and social scars borne by her community. Her work intertwines personal reflection, artistic knowledge, and literary influences, creating a layered narrative that grapples with the weight of loss and the hope for understanding. By referencing the dolmen—ancient stone structures synonymous with endurance and memory—Molly symbolically ties the past to the present, questioning how history shapes collective and individual resilience.

"Those Stone-Faced Dolmen" not only invites viewers to reflect on the stark realities faced by Derry and the wider North West of Ireland but also opens a dialogue about healing and the power of artistic expression in addressing complex socio-political issues.