The artist has written of this painting that ‘it was part of series of paintings based on ‘affective myths’ within Northern Irish culture. James Connolly, Scottish by birth, is one of the heroes of Irish (and international) socialism. His hat, with the bullet-hole sustained during the 1916 East Rising, can be seen displayed in the National Museum in Dublin. I have used it in some of my paintings almost like an icon. The lilies are actually Calla lilies and are sometimes used in a simple emblematic form in Belfast political wall murals. They are commonly associated with republican aspirations because of their colour (green, white and orange – the colours of the Irish flag) but they are also traditionally associated with death (i.e. funerals and burials) and resurrection (i.e. Easter). Historically, in poetry and art they have been used to symbolize purity and beauty, both physical and spiritual. They are posed formally here, almost like flags. So, the painting may contain many layers of symbolism and association, some used ‘seriously’, others ‘ironically’. I see it simply as a sort of elegy for lost ideals; others may see it differently’’.

Cries & Whispers New Works for the British Council Collection 1988