A STUNNING memorial to the famine - made from hundreds of hand-blown glass potatoes - is to be exhibited in the north.
1845: Memento Mori, by Seattle-based Irish artist Paula Stokes, will be on display at the Ulster American Folk Park from tomorrow.
The work, which consists of 1,845 hand-blown glass potatoes, took 15 years to complete.
Its title references the year the potato blight came to Ireland, marking the beginning of a period of mass starvation, disease, and emigration.
The Ulster American Folk Park is the only location in Northern Ireland that will host the exhibition.
It will be installed in the Single Room Cabin, which dates from the late 1700s to early 1800s, and is an example of the type of dwelling occupied by many poor tenant farmers.
"As a modern-day member of the Irish Diaspora, I have reflected on my own history as an immigrant to examine historical events that have shaped the present," Ms Stokes said.
"I hope that this installation will open a dialogue on how one can learn from the past, and that it might elicit compassionate reflection that transcends the polarizing politics of our current time."
Liam Corry, Curator of Emigration at Ulster American Folk Park, said: "As a museum dedicated to telling the story of those who emigrated from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, we are delighted to host such a tangible symbol of the Irish potato famine.
"At National Museums NI, we believe that learning and inspiring curiosity is a lifelong activity, and this exhibition helps us to communicate the story of emigration in a creative and engaging way to a new generation."
Following its time in Omagh, the installation will next move onto National Museum of Ireland-Country Life in Co Mayo.
Further information about the piece is available at www.1845mementomori.com.
