A unique new exhibition remembering the Famine has arrived at the Ulster American Folk Park in Co Tyrone which took 15 years to complete.
The memorial contains 1,845 handblown glass potatoes and is the culmination of work by American artist Paula Stokes, who grew up in Ireland before moving to the United States.
The installation, which is a dedicated to the countless dead and those forced to flee Ireland in the mid-1800s, will remain at the Folk Park in Omagh until November 7.
Artist Paula said she used her own experiences of being part of the modern day Irish diaspora to complete the work.
She added: “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.
“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 polarising politics of our current time.”
Entitled 1845: Memento Mori, the display has been brought to several museums in Ireland before being brought to Omagh.
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 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.”
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