Artlink Fort Dunree officially opened its annual Members Show at the weekend.
The exhibition will run until September 1 and promises to captivate audiences with a wide-ranging collection of artworks that reflect the spirit of community and collaboration deeply rooted in Irish culture.
It is curated by Vanessa Jordan (main pic) of the 126 Gallery Board of Directors in Galway – and entitled ‘Meitheal’. The exhibition showcases the works of both new and established artists from Ireland and beyond, bringing together a remarkable array of artistic expressions including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, performance and film.
Some of the works that feature in the new exhibition.
The concept of Meitheal – a traditional Irish practice where neighbours unite to support each other during harvests – serves as the thematic backbone for this year’s Members Show.
“This year we encouraged Artlink members to submit works that explore the notion of individuals coming together to demonstrate the value of cultivating a sense of community,” Ms Jordan said.
“Indeed, Meitheal is such a powerful concept. In Irish culture The Meitheal is the tradition of neighbours coming together to help each other to harvest crops or save hay and was a fundamental part of life, particularly in rural areas. Building a sense of solidarity and unity in the community, this ethos of collaboration is deeply rooted in Irish culture. Portrayed in the Arts in Ireland as a symbol of collaboration and community, both Seamus Heaney and Sean Scully have depicted and celebrated the spirit of Meitheal in their work.
Artlink project co-ordinator Rebecca Strain further emphasised the importance of this year’s theme: “The concept of Meitheal is more relevant than ever in today’s world. It reminds us that by working together, we can achieve incredible things. Our new exhibition is therefore not just about showcasing a range of artworks, it’s about celebrating our shared values and the strength that comes from community collaboration. It’s a celebration of our identity and the powerful connections we forge through art.”
The exhibition includes artworks by: Nina Quigley, Michael Friel, Caroline Kuyper, Ethan Murphy, Kevin McLaughlin, Deborah Stockdale, Amanda Walker, Kevin Harkin , Barbara Allen, Aisling Monds, Kevin Hamilton, Mary Toland, Filipa Pontes, Mickey Rooney, Moses Kizza, Mary Crowley, Janet Hoy, Lisa McGill, Suzanne Buggy, Hans van Meeuwen, Mary-Joyce Davis, Aisling McConville, Brian Brown, Seamus Gallagher, Gillian wright, Frances, Bermingham Berrow, Josephine Kelly, John O’Connor, Aodaìn McCardle, Vanessa Marsh, Iseult McCormack, Susan Mannion, Catherine Ellis, Matthew Gammon, Donna McGee, Mhairi Sutherland, Nuala Herron, Sash Ka Sheils, Noreen Burke, Susanne O’Reilly, Arlene Caffrey, Patrick Jude Clafferty, Karen McLaughlin, Anastasiia Kerdina, Vincent Kelly, Anne Marie O’Hara, John McCarron, Geraldine Timlin, Mark Cullen, Deirdre Doherty, Joanne McLaughlin, Veronica Buchanan, Una Heaton, and Caroline Vesey.
For further information about this year’s Members Show or upcoming exhibitions and events at Artlink during August, visit www.artlink.ie Facebook.com/Artlinkfortdunreepage or contact a member of the Artlink team on 0838696513.
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