Dominican College • group • Galway

Group Category   •  2026
This Collection Of Masks Was Created By Second Year Art Students In Taylor’s Hill. Drawing Inspiration From Mythology, They Imagined Characters Connected To Nature’s Power, Wisdom, Mystery, And Ability To Transform. Many Students Chose To Depict Lesser Known Figures From Irish Mythology Including Badb, Dian Cécht, And Flidais, While Others Explored Mythological Characters From Countries They Have A Connection With. While Studying mythology, Students Noticed How Nature Plays A Central Role In Myths Across Different Cultures, Times, And Places. Each Mask Is An Original, Innovative Creation, Just Like Everything In Nature. Students Began With Research Into Their Chosen Character, they created Mind Maps And Sketches To Explore Personality Traits And Links Between Mythological Figures And Natural Elements Like Animals, Plants, And Trees. Environmental Awareness Was An Important Part Of The Project. Masks Were Made Using Non-Recyclable Foam From Computer Packaging and Reused Materials Such As Cardboard And Papier-Mâché. The Material Choices Reflect Both The Challenges And Possibilities Of Working With What Already Exists, Echoing Nature’s Cycles Of Reuse And Regeneration. The Materials Also Allowed The Masks To Remain Lightweight And Suitable For Performance. Some Designs Include Moving Elements Such As Opening Mouths, Shifting Ears, And Rotating Features, Suggesting Growth, Breath And Transformation. Textures, Colour Schemes, Paint Techniques And Embellishments Were Carefully Considered To Ensure That Each Mask Looks Alive And Connected To The Natural World. Each Mask Represents A Character Shaped By Story, Environment, And Imagination. Together, The Collection Presents Nature Not As A Background, But As An Active Presence Closely Connected To Identity. Just As Myths And Legends Are Remembered And Protected, Nature Deserves The Same Care. The Work Invites Viewers To See The Natural World As A Living Story, Shared By Everyone And Shaped Across Generations.