On a crisp February evening, over two thousand people gathered in Belfast to witness the launch of our eighth We Feed The UK story.
The gallery was abuzz with lively discussions, warm energy, and whispers of hope for the future.
“It made me want to go into nature. It made me feel connected to where I come from.”
Yvette Monahan‘s stunning images follow life on Mallon Farm, where Helen and Charlie have been reviving the lost tradition of growing flax for Irish linen. Their chemical-free plants grow alongside potatoes and oats as part of a food production system, feeding local supply chains and rejuvenating wildlife and waterways.
The night began with Abby Oliveira performing her poem ‘The Opposite of Apocalypse’ which tells the story of Helen and Charlie’s inspiring journey, alongside the tale of home-grown flax from seed to stitch.
Launched as part of Late Night Art Belfast, Yvette’s exhibition ‘The Clean Blue of Linen’ is on display at Belfast Exposed until 22 March 2025.
So far the impact on attendees has been all our collaborators could have hoped for…
“Now I can see how you can connect sustainable fashion with native plants and living with the land”
“Art is one of the only ways we can see people working with the land as human beings rather than part of a machine.”
“I feel rejuvenated…like a bit of flax growing up towards the sky.”
“My father worked in the Irish linen industry in the 60s and 70s…and he’s excited to hear the discussions happening here today.”
“The energy and heartfelt belief in what is right has been quite overwhelming and mesmerising.”
“It’s shown me things I didn’t know. I’ve learnt a lot.”
Excitingly, we are also displaying Yvette’s work as part of our Complete Collection of Photography and Poetry, exhibited at The Royal Photographic Society in Bristol from 3 April to 22 June 2025.
We hope to see you there!
