In the north, there is a foraois. No matter where you come from, it will open its borders to you. In its solitude you can find the peace that was long denied to you; a sanctuary undisturbed by the other-folks. My kin, this land belongs to you and you belong to it. In dusk and in dawn, it calls out for you. It calls for you to find it, become yourself. In and around the bracken and berries, you rebuild yourself up from the mud. Skin and bark become indistinguishable from each other, Sap and sweat roll down in elated exertion. The night greets you with a cool breeze of finality. The story does not end here. It does not end with us, it does not end with you. The paths continue to be disturbed, shelters remain sturdy. Laughter echoes through the valleys, warm and refreshing, The foraois flourishes in time, across time; the leaves weave and wave to welcome in our fellow kin.
Gentle in pace and gentle in nature. The wind calls their name amongst the trees, a proclamation that is soothing, comforting and familiar, unrestricted by time, distance and ability, The woods call you home. You call them home.
‘Crios Maolánach’ depicts a neutral territory for Transgender & gender nonconforming people to exist freely within, opposing the stranglehold of transphobia in modern life. Infected intravenously by right wing circles, parroting back reverberations of the same sentiments, ‘Crios Maolánach’ offers a respite, a moment of peace amongst the raised voices. Wandering through the forest, these figures feel the freshness of the breeze and the support of the branches and know this place will always be here for them.
Transl.
Crios Maolánach - Buffer Zone
Foraois - Forest
My 20-page zine 'Crios Maolánach: An t-éiceatón' is available to buy for £7. Contact me at masonirephotography@gmail.com for shipping and/or collection details.