'Imitation of Life' by Jenny Brady
Venue: thisisnotashop
Dates: 22nd - 24th May
Times: 12.00 - 19.00

Preview 21st May 6-8pm
Reborning, in case you're wondering, is NOT the art of convincing folk to take up religion again - though admittedly it sounds like it could be. Instead, it's the rather more intricate, painstaking and - some would say - slightly spooky art of taking regular vinyl dolls and customising them to look like real, human babies. The practice, which has been popular since the late '80s, involves using veining, mottling, blushing, weighting, and other enhancement techniques, to create a realistic, unique baby doll.

Dublin artist, Jenny Brady has been researching this practice for some time. Fascinated by creative processes of "Rebornists", as well as their motivations, she's created her very own reborn doll - with a twist. It's a self-portrait of Jenny on the day of her baptism, when she was 8 weeks old! As well as the art of reborning, this unique exhibition also draws from the traditions of figurative painting and sculpture, making reference to the history of self-portraiture within art practice.

It was also an excellent excuse for a grown woman to play with dolls for months on end!

THIS IS NOT A SHOP
26 Benburb Street
Dublin 7