You will see below in the video, Lycia Trouton speak about her creation of the Linen Memorial and how it became welcomed as a part of the International Linen Biennial of Portneuf 2011, in Quebec. The Linen Memorial is a hand-stitched monument, made up of over 400 linen handkerchiefs, embroidered with the names of those who passed away during the period of The Troubles in N. Ireland. When the Linen Memorial travels, it takes on the unique aspects of the area and venue it is representing through. As the International Linen Biennial is a worldwide celebrated, and attended, event, it was important for Trouton to highlight here why a work created in N. Ireland had relevance in Quebec, and beyond that, internationally.
This Biennial is focussed on investigating, both the “technical and conceptual aspect” of current linen and flax practices. In relevance, Trouton’s own work explores the historical and contemporary roles that linen and textile play in our public and private experience. Thanks to a grant from the Australian Research Council, Trouton took on the post of assistant postcolonial manufacturing researcher for a period of time, which influenced the direction of her practice and presentation at this show.
Curatorial Panel included Adrien Landry, Centre des textiles contemporains de Montréal, Contemporary Textile Museum Montreal as well as Prof. Louise Richard.