Katherine Mc Namara
she/her
Katherine Mc Namara is an artist, jeweller, and recent graduate of NCAD in Dublin, Ireland. Her work plays with the idea of value, investigating ordinary objects and assigning them as extraordinary, just to see what happens.
"I love the absurdity of a simple answer to a complex question. You want a safe space? You’re gonna need a key. But it's not that simple. Mundane objects hold so much power. There is a well documented relationship between queer people, particularly lesbians, and their keys. My keys tell a very particular story, plain to read for all who know how.”
How does your work relate to the theme Adorned Serenity— How does the work function as a wearable safe space?
"How are my keys a wearable safe space? Valid question. Maybe it was obvious to you at first glance, hopefully you got a giggle out of it. But in any case, they really are my wearable safe space, specifically designed to optimise my personal safety as a queer woman. Here's how:
My carabiner clip first and foremost works to keep my keys together and accessible, but is also a well recognised symbol for lesbians. It’s subtle enough to not draw unwanted attention, but those who know, know - and that's what matters.
My house key may seem a banal inclusion, but it is truly a prized possession. Access to housing is a human right that can often seem like a privilege, especially for marginalised communities. While home can be a complicated place to be, having a key for a safe place to sleep is a never ending source of gratitude.
A key to a lock that does not exist any more, engraved with the letter ‘B’. A reminder of a more carefree time, and how suddenly that can be taken away.
My local public library card provides me access to free information, entertainment, as well as a safe place to be.
My little nail clippers have come in handy many times, for when I accidentally break a nail, or need to get them off in a hurry. Works as a very practical pick-up line, but honestly I just think it's funny. Also useful to cut bits of string or paper.
The red canister containing phone numbers is less fun. It came about in a time of great turbulence in my life, so that if I got lost I might come back, and if I was found someone could be contacted. Sadly it has seen a fair bit of action, thankfully I’m around to laugh about it now. I still keep it with me, both as a just-in-case, and a reminder of how far I have come."
The Queered Keys, Assembled Objects, 18cm x4cm, 2023
How do you see this piece existing in the world as a wearable safe space?
Or is this piece specific to you?
"Given that these are my keys, they are naturally quite specific to me. I have curated items that are applicable to my life and needs. My house key would not be particularly helpful for someone else to have, nor would my library card. But this isn't really about keys, it’s about looking at them. Here I have queered the keys, looking at them through the lens of queer identity, to challenge the idea that keys are ‘just’ keys, that anything is ‘just’ anything.
Carrying around your keys is something most people do, carrying them on a carabiner clip is already standard practice for a lot of lesbians and queer people. However these keys now exist in the world as a challenge. Thinking of your keys as a statement, as a work of art, and as a safe space is something I hope more people may engage with. Everything we do can be looked at as an artistic intervention with the world around us, and this art is entirely wrapped up in our identities and lived experiences. Everyday objects hold so much power, and viewing our possessions as artefacts, as something significant and interesting, can bring to light how our identities inform the world we build around ourselves. What is the world you are building like? Is it intentional? Have you queered your keys?"
If someone found this piece and needed an instruction manual to make the safe space work — what’s a quick how to?
"So, you found my keys! Unfortunately I will need these back (please call one of the handy contact numbers for a return address), but perhaps you would like to take some inspiration for your own set!
Do you want to carry around your keys but lack the pocket space to do so? Then the carabiner clip could be for you! simply add your keys and attach to your belt loop for ultimate practicality! Additional benefits include: multiple colour options, and looking super cool and gay in a safely covert way! Want to add more to your carabiner clip experience? The options are endless - you can clip whatever you want to this bad boy! This top of the line model is optimised for day to day life, fun, and safety. It includes: the actual key to my actual home, my local public library card, a key to a lock that does not exist any more (ooh mystery), a nail clippers (you never know when they might come in handy ;)), and a little red canister containing important phone numbers (you never know when they might come in handy…).
Enjoy building your key set!”
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
"The idea of submitting my keys to this open call started as a bit of a joke, but through committing to it and researching the idea, I realised that it was worth doing. The written text is an integral part of this work, in elevating it from ‘just keys’ to a real attempt at making art. This is my queer experience, and I think there is a good chance it is shared by others. Carrying my keys makes me feel safer, and more connected to the queer community. I hope that other people can see this, laugh a little, and relate to the work.”