The iron cage, while evidently symbolic of incarceration and misery, also has other connotations. Max Weber introduced the concept of the iron cage in sociological terms and speaks of the ‘iron cage of bureaucracy’, where disciplinary control eventually leads to the loss of individuality and autonomy, ultimately creating a dehumanized society.

A row of chairs were set out against the wall at Cow Strand, Sherkin Island. As people arrived their details were taken by two administrative women who sat at a desk. Each person was given a number and asked to wait, no other information was given. Eventually a security guard would lead a selected participant towards a cage which was placed at a distance looking out towards the sea. 

It is hoped that a certain degree of absurdity, futility and boredom was felt by the participants during this Kafkaesque/Beckettesque event, highlighting the 20 years since Direct Provision was set up in Ireland.

Photos courtesy of Terry Farnell