NCAD graduate Louise Gilligan began her Glam Grannies series in 2nd year of college.
The series is a humorous comment on the stereotypes we place on older people, inspired by Louise’s proximity to an aging community.
In previous works she explored the lives of two elderly neighbours, their eccentricities and the vibrancy of their homes. Through working on the series Louise began to contemplate the relationship between generations and wondered whether the typical behaviors of her elderly neighbours would withstand generational shifts.
This series combines the vibrancy of youth with the traditions of old age Ireland.
Louise says the intention of the project was to shed new light on old traditions and highlight the charm in certain customs. From the granny that shoves a sly €20 in your hand to the aunt that lights a candle for every exam.
Lousie says, “I had a hugely positive reaction to my work while it was being exhibited in NCAD. I was apprehensive some older people might find it offensive but much to my surprise people from all ages loved it. A woman who worked in an elderly home actually approached me during the show and bought a copy of the Act Your Age book, to bring to the care home for some of the elderly women to read. I like to keep my work colourful and playful so that people don’t take it too seriously but still begin to consider the way they think about something and in this case our fabulously grey haired Irish grannies.
“I think elderly people are often portrayed in a negative light and even though there are so many charity’s out their for the elderly, I don’t think they know how to promote or work alongside younger people that much. At the moment I am trying to bridge this gap, I am currently writing to different Irish charities to see their thoughts and reaction to my series.”
Check out Louise’s site HERE and her Instagram HERE.
