PDF Sean Lynch (2016) ‘Weight of the World’, Spacex: Exeter
Published on the occasion of The Weight of the World, an exhibition by Sean Lynch presented by Spacex at Exeter Phoenix and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery in Exeter (14 May – 2 July 2016)
Two recent film works by Amie Siegel use the discipline and canon of architecture as points of departure. Describing this methodological approach as a ‘foil’ for wider conversations, the artist constructs montages of interconnected layers. The meticulously composed films Quarry, 2015, and The Architects, 2014, are exhibited together for the first time in ‘Imitation of Life’ – Siegel’s first solo exhibition in Ireland. Read more…
Since Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ untimely death of AIDS-related illness in 1996, much has been written about his artistic legacy. Interpreted through numerous critical lenses – not least Queer Theory, Minimalism and Relational Aesthetics – his artworks are rooted in identity politics of 1980’s and early ‘90’s America. However, as demonstrated in this inaugural staging of the artist’s work in Belfast, the existing discourse surrounding his canonical works is neither exhaustive nor impervious to fresh interpretations.
PDF – VAN Jan-Feb Issue (Text) PDF -VAN Jan-Feb (Images)
Making Visible
The Roscommon Visual Artists Forum (RVAF) was established in early 2014 by Linda Shevlin as part of her ongoing Visual Arts Curator Residency in Roscommon Arts Centre. Given that the objectives for this Arts-Council-funded residency prioritise “engaging new audiences” at local, regional and national level, while promoting a “coordinated approach between curators and organisations”, Linda felt it was important to work closely with Roscommon County Council Arts Office to establish a network for local artists.
In May 2014, Create launched a Per Cent for Art commission, funded by The Office of Public Works, arising from the creation of flood defence systems along the River Tolka – Dublin’s second largest river. Proposals were invited from artists working in any medium to engage selected sites within Meath, Fingal and Dublin City local authority areas, using the Tolka as a ‘central connector’. Read more…
Mark Curran’s solo exhibition ‘The Economy of Appearances’ at Limerick City Gallery of Art had a retrospective feel. Five previous and ongoing bodies of work were presented, conjuring an unspoken pause in Curran’s career, and prompting reflection on the expansive territory explored in his practice to date.
“Deep maps are finely detailed, multimedia depictions of a place and the people, buildings, objects, flora, and fauna that exist within it and which are inseparable from the activities of everyday life. These depictions may encompass the beliefs, desires, hopes, and fears of residents and help show what ties one place to another.”[i] Read more…
Joanne Laws
Articulating Value
Last year I was commissioned to write a report for 126 Artist-Run Gallery. ‘FOOTFALL: Articulating the value of artist-led organisations in Ireland’ collates a timely and ambitious body of research, initiated by 126 in response to a funding crisis the previous year which almost resulted in its closure (1).
Joanne Laws 