Dad likes striped shirts by Ciaran Glasheen

The artwork is based on the theme of coming to terms with the identity and individuality of one’s parent. My father was selected as the subject because I often struggled to understand that his character extended beyond simply the role of a parent. The striped shirt plays a major role in the work, as many close to him recognise this as an extremely notable symbol of him, worn almost every day. The iconography of this symbol previously brought discomfort when dwelled upon, as it provoked the unfamiliar shift of perspective from parent to person. However, as I have grown older, I have come to appreciate and find comfort in the connection I have cultivated with this symbol and its ability to remind me of the depth of character beyond the parental role, as is important within every family.