The basis of Amanda Coogan’s practice is the live event, followed directly by photography and video, either taken from the live performance or produced in and around an action.

Born hearing to deaf parents, Irish sign language was her first language and this has profoundly influenced her work. Coogan believes it is why she has become a performance-based visual artist. Her art communicates through the body and it often deals with the concept of ‘otherness’ or not belonging and the outward expression of the subconscious. Amanda has used sign language to shoot an MTV style rap piece based on the song “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”.

This photograph, Medea, is taken from a three-hour performance, involving telling the secrets of the deaf community through Irish sign language. These are stories of oppression, humiliation, and sexual and physical abuse at the hands of the clergy.