Tír Fa Thonn / Land Beneath the Waves

(2024)

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In 2023, an outbreak of blue-green algae pollution in Lough Neagh caused protesters to mourn the death of the lake. With over 40% of the fresh water in Northern Ireland coming from the Lough, the future of this now polluted lake seems to be diminishing. Through the usage of this water in both our agriculture and homes, the devastating impact of climate change on the water here has resulted in a fear of irreversible damage.

 

Irish mythology describes three Goddess waves, Tonn Tuaithe, Tonn Rudhraighe and Tonn Clíodhna, who caress and care for the landscape. Suggesting that the water in Ireland has a supernatural power which plays a vital role in this land’s preservation. Today, in the digital era, it seems that there is a disconnection in our respect for the magic contained in our landscape. What is the long-term impact of pollution in our water? In ‘Tír Fa Thonn’ (Land Beneath the Waves) Emma uses the Irish water and landscape to explore the life-sustaining qualities which come from the elements in our environment.