‘Padded Cell & Other Stories’ Mannix Flynn opens new exhibition in Dublin

Published: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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There will be no false apology on any monument to those incarcerated in Irish institutions where brutal child abuse was practised, vowed Mannix Flynn at the launch of his new exhibition, "Padded Cell and Other Stories", in Dublin last night. He was referring to proposals that the former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, would be quoted on such a monument for the contrite words he spoke in 2005 after revelations about widespread use of violence in such institutions.

At the same time, Ahern was engaged in further collusion with the church by indemnifying church and state against claims by those who suffered the abuse, Mannix Flynn said. He described as outrageous the treatment of those who appeared before the redress board and who were forbidden to speak out about their experiences.

The centre piece of the exhibition is a stark white, padded cell, containing a restraining harness, while on the walls copies of correspondence relating to Flynn's own history of incarceration are displayed. Copies of the Ryan Report are laid out like hymn books on stern white pews. The effect of the whole is profoundly moving. It also stirs strong feelings of anger at the ongoing injustices that Flynn exposes. Not to be missed.

The exhibition continues at 18 Ormond Quay, Dublin 1 from 12 noon til 5pm daily.
www.farcryproductions.ie