Jemma Egan
Swiss Dogs
4-19 August 2010
Famed for its legendary mountain rescues, the St. Bernard dog's name originates from a travellers' hospice on the often-treacherous St. Bernard Pass in the Western Alps between Switzerland and Italy. The pass, the lodge, and the dogs are all named after Bernard of Menthon, the 11th century monk who established the station.
Although not trapped on a mountain in any dramatic film-worthy way, Egan was by all accounts culturally stranded during her stay in Switzerland; she knows enough German to ask, but not enough French to understand. And so, Egan remained in a one-way call for help throughout her stay.
The repetitious interpretations of the image of the St. Bernard's dog illustrates her unfulfilled desire to engage in dialogue with Swiss culture and her ad hoc strategy to keep sane, whilst stranded.
Recent exhibitions include - Global Studio, The Bluecoat Liverpool - No Soul For Sale, Tate Modern London - Miscellany, Outlet Gallery Manchester - All Change, Rogue Project Space Manchester.