‘Rendition’ is an installation by emerging artist Fiona Cahill exposing the deportation of unmarried Irish women and their infants from Britain to Ireland for incarceration in mother and baby institutions. The term ‘Rendition’ refers to informally/covertly transferring or deporting a person from one jurisdiction to another with less regulation for their humane treatment. Rendition exists outside of the usual legal processes.

From the 1920’s to the early 70’s around 9,000 women, sometimes with their babies, who were born here, were deported to Ireland; despite the fact they had the legal right to stay. They were officially labelled PFI’s which meant ‘Pregnant From Ireland'. Drawing on her grandmother’s, her mother’s and her own experience, she says, “The British State refuses to apologise for the deportations and for its historic treatment of unmarried mothers in general.”

“My grandmother, Philomena and mum Maria never saw each other again. Mum never knew she was born in England until she was 43. Philomena who tried to get her back, had passed on, after decades of inaction from Irish authorities. She had kept this photograph of them together.”

“I am very proud to be her granddaughter every time I look at that photo. It was taken in secret, an incredible achievement to pull off; brave resourceful and outwitting the nuns!”