Amanda Hawthorne
In 2024, my practice focused on themes of memory fragmentation and nostalgia, explored through the lens of my traditional Irish grandmother’s home. The house became a vessel for my childhood memories, where solid, enduring pieces of furniture remained clearly fixed in my mind through their weight, texture, and physical presence, many of which still exist today. In contrast, I found myself struggling to recall the smaller, more transient details I may have once overlooked, such as frequently changing newspapers, photo frames, clothing, and shoes. This tension between what remains anchored in memory and what fades or shifts over time informed the visual language of the work. During this period, I worked primarily with oil paint on wood, a material choice that alluded to the traditional construction and tactile qualities of the house itself, reinforcing the connection between memory, material, and place.
In 2025, my practice has shifted toward examining the contemporary world that I am deeply embedded within, focusing on my relationship with technology and its impact on human connection. Through close observation, I have become increasingly aware of how constant device use alters relationship dynamics, creating distance between individuals who occupy the same physical space.
"Granny's house" series
Oil on Wood
"Detachment" series Acrylic on wood
My work explores the sense of detachment that emerges when attention is absorbed by screens, where engagement with the surrounding environment and simple social interactions are reduced or overlooked. I have investigated these themes through both my college accommodation and my family home, reflecting on everyday moments where digital consumption interrupts presence and communication. In particular, witnessing my parents’ growing detachment from one another through continuous media use has informed this body of work. During this period, I have been working on a larger scale, using acrylic paint to build flat yet immersive surfaces that echo the visual language of digital screens. This shift in scale and material allows the work to confront the viewer more directly, mirroring the pervasive presence of technology within domestic life.