The Claddagh Ring is one of the most important symbols in modern Irish culture and it is often used as an engagement ring because the heart represents love; the crown indicates loyalty; and the hands relate to friendship.

 

According to Aztec legend, the God Huitzilopochtli promised the Mexicas a prosperous land. They would know where to build their city wherever they found an eagle standing on a cactus, eating a snake. The prophecy came true and Mexico City was built in the middle of a swamp. This story has transcended into the national emblem and the cactus has become the pillar that defines Mexican culture.

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To represent how Galway City has been aesthetically changing with the arrival of people from all over the world, I redesigned the building, reimagining how it would look if it was a Mexican shop. With the addition of the cactus, I created a personal reinterpretation of the Irish symbol. I substituted the crown with flames, which were inspired by the Mexican craft representation of the Sacred Heart, and incorporated traditional tiles to the front of the shop to emphasised the Mexican aesthetic.