Frances Hennigan

Frances Hennigan is a visual artist based between Essen, DE and Roscommon, IRE, whose practice explores the intersection of fame, mediated attention, misinformation and performative activism in media. Her work is driven by an ongoing investigation into how the digital world shapes our beliefs and perception. Frances’ practice examines the glossy, crude glamour of internet celebrity culture, interrogating the role of celebrity influencers and media in shaping political discourse. Her work is centred around a reflection on the sophisticated, often unconscious ways audiences decode and internalise images, and how such processes shape beliefs, loyalties, and collective imaginaries. Drawing on the logic of memes, PR tactics and political iconography, she examines how visual tropes are deployed in media to maximise impact while minimising audience alienation. Frances was awarded a fellowship of Digital Culture with Kulturforum Witten in 2023 and is a co-founder of CRUX, a collective making offsite exhibitions.

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Frances Hennigan, Swift Economy, 2024, performed by Anneke Brunekreeft, camerawork by Jens Franke, 4:00 Minutes. Courtesy of the artist.