'Drawing on Don Quixote' at the Wexford Opera Festival & VUE, RHA, Dublin

DRAWING ON DON QUIXOTE curated and presented by the Olivier Cornet Gallery in response to Miguel de Cervantes’ novel. This exhibition was first presented at National Opera House, Wexford by kind invitation of Wexford Festival Opera (18 October to 3 November 2019); and later showcased at VUE Art Fair, RHA Dublin (7 -10 November).

Fools Gold: Pride and Glory
Acrylic, wood and nylon thread; 25 x 25 cm 

I exhibited two paintings (featured) for this themed exhibition titled, Fools Gold: Pride and Glory, and Illusions of Grandeur both painted with acrylic and nylon thread on wood and board.

While embarking on some of the main themes of Don Quixote, a delusional and naive man; I have drawn from the psychoanalytical, the fragility of the brain, insanity, and the nuances of the erratic and unhinged. 

Influenced by landscape after a recent visit to the Spanish desert in Andaluscia, as well as the practices of Joan Miró and Wassily Kandinsky,  the emphasis is on the painting process which involves improvisation, chance, playing with colour, form and composition. 

Through the processes of layering, scraping, scuffing and free association, I attempt to simulate the duality and coexistence of illusion and reality, the inside and outside environment; and the dark black eclipses of the mind which can often reveal the more surreal aspects of the human subconscious. 

Illusions of Grandeur
Acrylic, wood and nylon thread; 25 x 25 cm

The exhibition also featured new work by the artists represented by the Olivier Cornet Gallery and members of the gallery’s AGA group: Annika Berglund, Aisling Conroy, Hugh Cummins, John Fitzsimons, Jordi Forniés, Conrad Frankel, David Fox, Claire Halpin, Nickie Hayden, Eoin Mac Lochlainn, Miriam McConnon, Sheila Naughton, Yanny Petters, Kelly Ratchford, Vicky Smith and Susanne Wawra.

For more information about the show and the artists, visit
https://www.oliviercornetgallery.com/drawing-on-don-quixote

Joya: arte + ecología-Artist Residency

Earlier this Summer I was thrilled to be selected artist for a residency at Joya: AIR which will begin this coming August. The two week residency which is aimed at visual Artists and Writers, is based in the remote desert and countryside of Almería province, Andalucía, Spain.

During my time at there, I'll be working on current visual art and animation project with a focus on developing new work shaped and illuminated by the natural environment.

I'm looking forward to meeting all the team at Joya:AIR and of course the other resident artists in August, giving me a chance to engage and ultimately explore my own ideas with other creative minds; and doing so through a highly respected international residency, and in the stunning rural surroundings of Parque Natural Sierra María.

About JOYA: ARTE + ECOLOGÍA
Joya: arte + ecología is ‘an arts led field research centre’. The research is manifested through an arts residency (Joya: AiR), through collaborations with artists on projects generated, through transdisciplinary programmes with ecologists and environmental activists. Joya: arte + ecología also curates international artists within Spain.

Cultural practice at Joya: Los Gázquez is inseparable from cultural activities expressed through land and land use on this working farm. Joya: and Los Gázquez are in a continuous state of development evolving sustainable ways to convert dry land to sustainable and productive land via research, inquiry and development.

Joya: arte + ecología is the embodiment of a truly contemporary arts organisation working independently to engage with contemporary thought in relation to climate change and sustainability via education, research and activism.

For more info visit: joya-air.org

The Fregoli 'Heart Project' at Cúirt International Festival of Literature

Earlier this month I had the privilege to collaborate with Fregoli Theatre Company on their latest work, The Heart Project. I was invited to join their Creative Team in 2018 to design a set and the show branding, and I unexpectedly wrote a short piece which was performed exquisitely by Óisín Robbins. The play was Directed by Maria Tivnan and Co-Directed Eimear Finan, and performed by the super talented cast of, Eilísh McCarthy, Kate Murray, Óisín Robbins and Jarlath Tivnan. Music and Sound Design written by Composer Mark Daniel Kerry.

L- R: Kate Murray, Eilísh McCarthy, Jarlath Tivnan, Óisín Robbins.
Photo: Emilija Jefremova

The Fregoli Heart Project, pre-show warm up with cast.
Photo: Emilija Jefremova

The set design for this show is still in development, and as the show ripens again over the coming months, we hope that the other elements will also evolve, mold, shape and restructure. Life imitates!

The process of making the set and the overall collaboration for this particular show was a new way of working for me-combining many elements. Gleaning from collected and shared accounts by anonymous writers, we examined love and life in our initial writing days. We discussed relationships-family, friendships, partnerships, romance, community, home, culture, work, first loves, break ups, sex, food, sounds smells, music, dance, illness, addictions, births, deaths the list goes on...catharsis. In piecing together narratives, we deliberated upon these accounts, these relationships- the ones that had moments (or longer in some cases!) of pain and confusion, and often with no answers; followed by mere glimpses of insight, clarity and enlightenment and how all of these can be read as mathematical equations; and as alchemy. They evolve and change into something that is beyond our own comprehension, into something we could not have foreseen. We witness the dark, and the light. We witness the maths of it all. The alchemy. The magic.

The show made its debut for the Cúirt International Festival of Literature in Nun's Island Theatre, Galway on 8th April 2019. So much energy bursting and spilling from the seams in this show. One could not possibly ask for more.

The Heart Project aims to spread the love around national venues for 2019 and beyond, keep an eye out for updates via Fregoli Theatre here.

Full cast with dancers from The Eglington, Galway and performers from the Bohermore Teen Drama Group.
Photo: Emilija Jefremova

The Fregoli Heart Project; stage design

About the Fregoli Heart Project:

In an era of borders, marginalization, and mass attempts to inspire hate and difference, Fregoli wishes to return to what is quintessential to life; love. Love which can be deceptively simple or complex, in all its forms.

Launched on October 11th 2018 Fregoli put out an open call and received an abundance of beautiful submissions from people of varying ages, backgrounds and abilities all-encircling Love. The creative team worked as an ensemble taking these submissions and molding them into a theatre production bursting with love and light. We want to spread this love filling our audience with warmth and heart, leaving them uplifted .

The creative team included visual artist, Aisling Conroy, a composer, Mark Daniel Kerry and the cast were also joined by dancers from The Eglington, Galway and performers from the Bohermore Teen Drama Group.

DIRECTOR: Maria Tivnan; CO-DIRECTOR: Eimear Finan
CAST: Eilish McCarthy, Kate Murray, Oisin Robbins and Jarlath Tivnan
COMPOSER: Mark Daniel Kerry VISUAL ARTIST: Aisling Conroy

'Somewhere between perception and reality' | The Olivier Cornet Gallery | 09 Dec 2018 - 17th Feb 2019

   

Yellow heralds the floating World, I & II (2018);acrylic and nylon thread on board.

‘Somewhere between perception and reality’ is an exploration of the world of appearances, of surface scratching and the way we have to read between the lines -or images and layers- to get to the core of things.Sometimes we have to look within to understand what’s without, but are we really looking? In the current climate of fake news, half-truths, rushed verdicts and online knee-jerk reactions, maybe art can help us navigate the tortuous roads of reality by asking us to look again and again, to consider how others perceive our world. Then we might see theirs or at least find common ground…In my latest work, Yellow heralds the floating world I & II responds to the rise of 'yellow journalism' (unscrupulous news reporting) which has become the malady of modern society. This series references the traditional Japanese ukiyo-e, also know as The Floating World or 'sad troublesome world'- a wood block printing method from the 1600's Japan which often depicted the more "unsavory" ego driven aspects of humanity. The tablet form of the paintings with yellow web structures and thin nylon threads could be interpreted as the early day tabloid, and referencing the intrusion of the interconnecting web of social media in our lives. The Olivier Cornet Gallery presents this group show entitled ‘Somewhere between perception and reality’. A ‘lighter’ version of the exhibition was first presented at VUE, Ireland’s National Contemporary Art Fair (Royal Hibernian Academy, 1-4 Nov 2018). The official opening of this exhibition will be on Sun, 9th of Dec 2018, 3pm, at the Olivier Cornet Gallery, 3 Great Denmark Street, Dublin 1The show features work by the following gallery artists:HUGH CUMMINS, JOHN FITZSIMONS, JORDI FORNIES, CONRAD FRANKEL, CLAIRE HALPIN (shortlisted for the Savills Prize), EOIN MAC LOCHLAINN, MIRIAM MCCONNON, YANNY PETTERS, KELLY RATCHFORD and FREDA RUPP.
Alongside the OCG's Associate Gallery Artists- AISLING CONROY, DAVID FOX, PAUL JAMES KEARNEY, SHEILA NAUGHTON and VICKY SMITH.This exhibition runs from 9th Dec 2018 - 17th Feb 2019.The gallery will be closed from Sun, 23rd Dec 2018 - Fri, 4th Jan 2019 and will resume on Sat, 5th Jan 2019.

The Fregoli Heart Project

"Love each other or perish”- W.H Auden.I was extremely excited and honored to be asked to collaborate on The Fregoli Heart Project with the phenomenally talented team of performers at Fregoli Theatre Company,Director Maria Tivnan and Composer Mark Daniel Kerry. The topic for discussion? my favorite subject, and I'm sure it's a favorite of many- love.The project was launched October 11th at a fund-raising gig in the Róisín Dubh,Galway with singer-songwriters Tracy Bruen, Steven Sharpe, and Dylan Murphy, along with Barry Staunton and Priscilla Winters. The poster design/illustration being the first phase of my involvement in the project.The Fregoli Heart Project wants to provide respite to the ongoing adversity and treacherous news stories that are churned out via the media and affect our lives in negative ways.  As the launch poster suggests, Fregoli are looking to evoke the stories, memories, words, images from people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities and to represent these through an explosion and release of love, light, intensity and colour, and to ultimately... spread the love.See below for more details on the project and how to get involved.Fregoli wants to spread the love and perform experiences of love in all its forms gathered from the public through an open call. Our creative team including a visual artist, performers, and a composer will work together to develop and present these stories interactively through art, music and theatre.In an era of borders, marginalization, and mass attempts to inspire hate and difference, Fregoli wishes to return to what is quintessential to life; love. Love which can be deceptively simple or complex, in all its forms; love for humanity, family, friends, nature, occupation and of course romantic love. In an effort to celebrate love, collectivity and solidarity we will appeal to the public in an open call for stories/memories/images of love, which will open Oct 11th and run until Jan 6th 2019.Open Call from Oct 12th to Jan 6th. Application form available hereSubmissions must be accompanied by this form, once completed.The form may then be emailed to fregoliheartproject@gmail.com with your submission or sent by post to,

Fregoli Heart Project

C/O Des Kenny,

Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries,

Liosbaun Retail Park,

Tuam Road,

Galway.

8 under 40: Artists to Watch: Irish Arts Review, Summer Edition June- August 2018

In very good company in this Summer edition (June - August) of the Irish Arts Review magazine. Thrilled to see one of my works 'The Wisdom of the Heart V (below) published alongside notable artists Damien Flood, Stephen Johnston, David Eager Maher, Bennie Reilly, Leah Hewson Seele, Tom McLean and Holly Walsh.Presenting “the work of 8 artists under the age of 40 who independently and boldly explore the imaginative possibilities of paint." To learn more about these artists, IAR invite their readers to nominate their favourite artist online here: VOTE here

p.101 : Aisling Conroy, The Wisdom of the Heart V (2018), acrylic and nylon thread on wood, 60 x 60cm.

Poetry Ireland Review Issue 124

 Proud and honored to be asked to feature one of my paintings called 'Iconics II' on the front cover of the current edition of the Poetry Ireland Review. This current edition also features work by fellow gallery Artists from the Olivier Cornet Gallery. Poetry Ireland Review 124, edited by Eavan Boland; contains new poems from Paula Meehan, Ciarán O'Rourke, Lizzy Nichols, Mark Ward, Gabriel Rosenstock, Özgecan Kesici, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, and many other compelling voices. Also included is Eilean Ni Chuilleanáin's remembrance of her Cork childhood, excerpted from The Vibrant House: Irish Writing and Domestic Space, a book of essays reviewed in issue 124 by Caitríona O'Reilly. Other books considered in this issue include collections from Annemarie Ní Churreáin, Mark Granier, Tara Bergin, The Cambridge Companion to Irish Poets, and the Collected Poems of the late Dennis O'Driscoll, and there's also a short interview with Thomas Kinsella along with an essay on Kinsella as poet and civil servant. Another Kinsella is this issue’s Featured Poet, Alice Kinsella, and all artwork for the issue is supplied by artists associated with the Olivier Cornet Gallery on Great Denmark Street, around the corner from Poetry Ireland.Available now to purchase online or in all good bookstores.Visit Poetry Ireland/ Éigse Eireann for more info

COVER IMAGE: Iconics ii, acrylic and enamel on wood by Aisling Conroy

Syrias Vibes Art Auction and Launch Event

HAUS, 2018; acrylic, corrugated cardboard on wood. Aisling Conroy

Delighted to announce the upcoming Syrias Vibes Art Auction launching Thursday 8th March 2018, with the aim of raising funds to support displaced families in Syria and Iraq.Along with The SCOOP Foundation, they are bringing together over 70 contemporary artworks to auction in Dublin’s city centre. The exhibition launches Thursday the 8th of March in Bagots Hutton on Ormond Quay, with art, wine and canapés from one of Dublin's top chefs, and the Artists involved talking about their work.These original works will be sold at live auction in Bagots Hutton on Sunday 25th March with monies raised providing direct support to victims of the ongoing war in Syria. For all information on the auction, including online/telephone bidding, head on over to www.syriasvibes.com.LAUNCH: Thursday 8th March, 6-9pmEXHIBITION: 9th - 24th March (closed Mondays)AUCTION DAY: Sunday 25th March, 2pm SHARPList of contributing Artists (in alphabetical order):Adrian+Shane, Ruthie Ashenhurst, Daniela Astone, Margo Banks, Aideen Barry, Kate Beagan, Tag Beckett, Conor Bereen, Sahoko Blake, Dermot Brennan, Poncho Byrne, Eamon Colman, Aisling Conroy, Jo Cummins, Hazel Coonagh.Mary De Blacam, DECOY, Louise Donnelly, Denise Downey, Lucy Doyle, DUDA, James Earley, El VIZ, Fares Fares, Adrienne M. Finnerty, Jim Fitzpatrick, Martina Furlong, Katarzyna Gajewska, Tim Goulding, Joby Hickey, Jackie Hudson-Lalor, Jesse Jones, Molly Judd, Mo Kelly, James Kirwan, Steven Mannion-Farrell, MASER, Barry McAdam, Eoin McCormack, Paula McGurdy, Nick Miller, Robert Mirolo, Esther Moliné, Yvette Monahan, Richard Mosse, Patricia Murphy.Áine Ní Chíobháin, Isabel Nolan, John Nolan, Seamus Nolan, Olivia O’Carra, Niamh O’Connor, Steve O'Connor, Shane O’Driscoll, Cormac O’Leary, Geraldine O’Reilly, Laurence O’Toole, Erin Quinn, Juliana Scodeler, Carole Shubotham, Vauney Strahan, Shane Sutton, Dominic Turner, Carol Ann Waldron, Joe Warrior Walker, Patrick Walshe, Sinéad Wood, Úna Woods.Check out the Syrias Vibes event page here.

WHAT on EARTH has ART got to Do with Climate Change?

From the Deluge, 2017; acrylic & nylon thread on canvas.

WHAT on EARTH has ART got to DO with CLIMATE CHANGE?' is a panel discussion in the context of '2° C', a group show on climate change curated and hosted by the Olivier Cornet Gallery on Wednesday, 7th March 2018 @6:30pm (discussion will start at 7 pm sharp).The panel will include, Paul Leech (GAIA ecotecture, moderator); Paddy Woodworth (author, journalist, lecturer and cultural/environmental tour guide); Hugh Cummins, artist; Yanny Petters, artist; Olivier Cornet, curator.This event is free and all are welcome.Venue: Olivier Cornet Gallery3 Great Denmark Street (off Parnell Square)Dublin 1More more info visit:http://www.oliviercornetgallery.com/#/exhibitions-vue-art-fair-2017/4593936287

'2° C': a group show on climate change @Olivier Cornet Gallery; 17 Dec 2017-15 Feb 2018

'2° C' is an artists' response to climate change, curated by Olivier Cornet with the support of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland.First Presented at VUE Contemporary Art Fair (RHA Dublin) in early November 2017, the show runs at the Olivier Cornet Gallery from 17th December 2017 to 15th February 2018. The exhibition at the gallery will feature more work than in its initial presentation at VUE.Artists: ANNIKA BERGLUND, HUGH CUMMINS, JOHN FITZSIMONS, JORDI FORNIES, CLAIRE HALPIN, EOIN MAC LOCHLAINN, MIRIAM MCCONNON, YANNY PETTERS, KELLY RATCHFORD, FREDA RUPP, AISLING CONROY, DAVID FOX, PAUL JAMES KEARNEY, SHEILA NAUGHTON, and VICKY SMITH.Official opening: Sunday, 17th December, 3pm, Olivier Cornet Gallery, 3 Great Denmark Street, Dublin 1Guest Speaker:Dr Jonathan Derham BSc, PhD, MA(Mgt), Programme Manager, Evidence & Assessment Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), Ireland.Click here to see an online catalogue of the work.When first presented at VUE 2017, Ireland's National Contemporary Art Fair, which took place at the RHA Gallery, Dublin 2 from November 2 to November 5 2017, the exhibition received a lot of attention from the numerous visitors to the fair.If you were not able to attend the fair, do not miss this second edition of '2° C' which includes more works and which will be complemented by workshops and seminars in collaboration with the artists and the EPA at the gallery in Januray and February 2018."Olivier Cornet has a knack for curating good thematic shows, allowing artists to affiliate their work to a subject – in this case climate change – without distorting their customary practices. Here he elicits thoughtful, nuanced responses from a number of fine artists including Jordi Fornies, Claire Halpin, Eoin Mac Lochlainn, Yanny Petters, Freda Rupp, Aisling Conroy, Vicky Smith and more."-Aidan Dunne, 'The Take, Critic's Choice', The Irish Times Ticket, Saturday, 16th December 2017. Also published online in 'The Best Exhibitions This week' on 15th December 2017. Thanking Aidan Dunne and The Irish Times for this great review. 

Featured image: Other World (The Only Thing to Sphere is Sphere Itself), 2017; acrylic and nylon thread on wood.

VUE 2017@RHA - Group show 2° C supported by EPA Ireland

For Vue 2017, Ireland's National Contemporary Art Fair at the RHA Dublin, The Olivier Cornet Gallery and their artists will be presenting '2° C', a group show on the theme of climate change, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Artists: ANNIKA BERGLUND, HUGH CUMMINS, JOHN FITZSIMONS, JORDI FORNIES, CLAIRE HALPIN, EOIN MAC LOCHLAINN, MIRIAM MCCONNON, YANNY PETTERS, KELLY RATCHFORD, FREDA RUPP.The exhibition will also feature works by Olivier's Associate Gallery Artists (AGA) namely, AISLING CONROY, DAVID FOX, PAUL JAMES KEARNEY, SHEILA NAUGHTON, and VICKY SMITH.Opening days/hours at VUE:Thursday 2nd November 6 pm – 8pmFriday 3rd November 11 am – 8 pmSaturday 4th November 11 am – 7 pmSunday 5th November 12 pm – 6 pmThis show will then be presented at the Olivier Cornet Gallery from the 16th of December to the 15th of February 2018. Workshops and seminars in collaboration with the artists and the EPA will take place at the gallery.

Testament, 2017; acrylic and nylon thread on board. Will be exhibited at VUE, RHA and at the OCG for the exhibition '2° C'

Galway Arts Festival & Impressions Biennale Printmaking Show 2017

This year I had two illustrated prints selected for the Galway Impressions Biennale Printmaking Show.  The exhibition is a part of the Galway Arts Festival programme and currently on show the Center for Creative Arts in GMIT.The Impressions Biennale Printmaking Show is an exhibition that represents all that is happening in the contemporary print world today providing a unique platform for emerging and established artists including some of the biggest names in Irish contemporary art. The exhbition was curated by Jason Hicklin (UK) with guest speaker, Conor McGrady, Dean of Academic Affairs, Burren College of Art for the official opening on Friday 14th July at 6 pm.Venue: Centre for the Creative Arts & media, Cluain Mhuire, GMIT, Monivea Road, Galway.Opening hours: Saturday 15th- Sunday 30th July 11-6pm

Impressions Biennale

Galway Arts Festival

Lost at Sea,  intaglio, screenprint, chine collé; 25 x25 cm

ARLIS 2017 Conference at the National Gallery

Both myself and colleague Clare Lymer are delighted to be delivering a presentation on the Patrick Scott Archive in the 'Lightening Talks' at the ARLIS 2017 (Art Librarians Society) conference; 'Revolution: Re-imagining the Art Library' at the National Gallery of Ireland on Wednesday 12th July.Exploring the Patrick Scott Archive will illustrate narratives of Scott’s life and work with selected archive materials and highlight the conservation and preservation process of Scott’s scrapbook from original condition, through to the digitisation process and conservation treatments.www.nival.iewww.nationalgallery.ieARLIS Conference 2017 

BRUSHING UP ON ULYSSES: BLOOMSDAY FRINGE 2017

Time to brush up on my Ulysses (!) as i'll be taking part in the Bloomsday Fringe events this coming June.

‘There's a Touch of the Artist About Old Bloom’ is a visual response to Ulysses through sketching on location in the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter of Dublin. Curated by the Olivier Cornet Gallery, Jessica Peel-Yates and Marie-Hélène Brohan Delhaye, this four day live sketching event will explore the fabric of the James Joyce’s Dublin, real or imagined. Participating artists are drawn from a number of disciplines (fine art, illustration, architecture, animation, fashion and graphic design) where drawing and sketching are an important aspect of their work; either as an end in itself, as a way to develop ideas, or as part of their creative process.

Artists: Alice Campbell (graphic artist), Aisling Conroy (visual artist), Aideen Griffin (fine artist), Balazs Keresztury (architect), Frank Kiely (fine artist and print maker), Niamh Lunny (set and costume designer), Pat MacAfee (stonemason and author), James Moore (fine artist), Mauro Moroni (graphic designer), Mary O’Carroll (draftswoman), Léo Régeard (concept designer and storyboarder), Nina Ruminska (illustrator)The exhibition opens at 7:00 pm on Bloomsday 16 June at Olivier Cornet Gallery, 3 Great Denmark Street; and runs until 25th June with further evening events at the Gallery during the week.For more information please visit Bloomsday Fringe or The Olivier Cornet Gallery

Bardo: Context and Connection

With just over four weeks into 'Bardo,' numerous conversations were ignited about the work during all of the recent exhibition events. Visitors asked how it was connected to meditation? why reference Eastern religious art? and how is Patrick Scott connected to my work? All questions that opened the floor to more understanding; both for me as the artist,  and the viewer who experiences it.When  attempting to articulate the paintings in 'Bardo,' I can only describe them as abstractions of the unconscious by using repeated motifs, shapes and form. Even when faced with our mortal existence, we often go around repeating the same thoughts and actions in life and end up being trapped by them. Trapped by desire which can only bring suffering. This, then, adding a lot of tension to the paintings, which are quite moody; doesn't just depict a personal experience, be can also be a universal account when considering the history of the human condition, and civilizations that have gone before. The practice of mediation was a tool that brought these visual and psychological patterns to the forefront, and allowed me as the artist to use my awareness of them to make the work for 'Bardo'.Patrick Scott's archive was a (lucky) coincidental starting point, back in 2015, but it has grown into something a lot more that can't necessarily be identified straight away in the paintings. I initially began to admire his work for purely aesthetic reasons and I could never really say that I was a scholar of his or had any great knowledge about his life, but then there was something very humbling and real about delving into his personal archive while working on it in NIVAL. One starts to see the behind the scenes of an artist's life, the very beginnings of his earlier more illustrative and design work, (realising that we all started somewhere and it takes a life time to make good work; work that is iconic and timeless and that essentially gives the artist a piece of immortality),  to the mundane domestic life, his  personal life, letters from friends, family and lovers, photographs and touching messages on postcards. I was given a glimpse into his personal space, a space that becomes very real and gives a different perspective to the artist that we all know. Finally as you begin to conserve and archive, you wrap up the items and file them away, it all feels quite finite, and it really started to resonate with my own life and work in relation to patterns and changes in one's life. Love, birth, death, reincarnation (or rebirth) into new chapters; which is essentially what we are doing in this archive- opening up the life of the artist again.After receiving my training in Printmaking and having a interest in graphic art that goes back to my childhood years; I have an unconscious inclination towards Japanese print and woodblock, and the compositions and colour schemes that they inhabit.  In referencing Tibetan Buddhism, Zen Buddhism and various other aspects of Asian art; I chose their aesthetic to depict my own ideas on their philosophies. These philosophies, while all different; have common threads amongst them that deal with universal issues relating to desire and suffering, death and reincarnation and how we are controlled by our thoughts which lead to our actions.I hate to dissect work, as essential as research and context is; I find that too much literal explanation can sterilise the experience, not just with art but with almost everything. Explaining is losing, as the saying goes but there can always be exceptions to the rule when lending itself to human connection.The photographs below are of the opening on Sunday Feb 5th, as well as the two events that were held in correlation to Bardo; 'Exploring the Patrick Scott Archive with Clare Lymer, NIVAL'  (Sat 11th February) and 'Introduction to Zen Meditation with Mary Laheen, Zen Ireland'  (Sat 25th February). All three events were extremely well attended, much to my delight. A heartfelt appreciation to all those you came along; as supporters, art lovers and general enthusiasts.'Bardo' at the Olivier Cornet Gallery has been extended for an extra week and will continue to show until Sunday March 12th 2017.For more details on the gallery's location and visiting hours please visit http://www.oliviercornetgallery.com 

The opening of 'Bardo' Sunday 5th February 2017 at the Olivier Cornet Gallery. Image courtesy of Andrew Clarke.

Pauline Cummins, Visual Artist, opening 'Bardo.' Image courtesy of Andrew Clarke.

With Olivier Cornet. Image courtesy of Andrew Clarke.

'Exploring the Patrick Scott Archive' with Clare Lymer, NIVAL (The National Irish Visual Arts Library) on Sat 11th February 2017.

Setting up for the Introduction to Zen workshop with Mary Laheen, Sat 25th February 2017.

(L-R) Mary Laheen, Zen Ireland; Aisling Conroy, Artist; Olivier Cornet, Gallerist and Curator. Image courtesy of Andrew Clarke.

'Exploring The Patrick Scott Archive' with Clare Lymer @ The Olivier Cornet Gallery

'Exploring the Patrick Scott Archive'A presentation by Clare Lymer of the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL)Saturday, 11th February 2017 @13:30 pmOlivier Cornet Gallery3 Great Denmark StreetThis is a free event but booking is recommended (email info@oliviercornetgallery.com).One of Ireland's most significant artists, Patrick Scott displayed his unique fusion of art and design over a remarkable 75 year career as an artist, designer and architect. Scott's archive, bequeathed to NIVAL in 2015, is a valuable resource for researchers, providing insight to Scott's important contribution to all areas of Ireland's 20th and 21st century culture. The vast collection offers a comprehensive look at Scott's working process with models, tapestry maquettes and print designs. Administrative documents detail his time with renowned Irish cultural organisations - Aosdána, Kilkenny Design Workshops, Irish Exhibition of Living Art, and Rosc. Passports with visa stamps detail travel that influenced his work while scrapbooks, photos, diaries and correspondence provide humanising glimpses into Scott's personality. The Patrick Scott Archive materials underwent conservation and preservation work throughout 2016. The archive will be available to the public once listing is completed in Spring 2017.Clare Lymer, (NIVAL) will illustrate narratives with selected items from the archive on the day.This presentation is organised in the context of my latest exhibition 'BARDO' at the gallery (Feb 5 to March 4). Delighted to have Clare give us her in-depth knowledge on Scott's work, as well as her own personal account of working on this archive. A treat in store for anyone who is a Patrick Scott and/or NIVAL follower!  

BARDO, OLIVIER CORNET GALLERY, FEB 2017

Sigil I-V, 2016; acrylic and nylon thread on wood.

Press release:

‘Bardo’ meaning “intermediate state” derives from Bardo Thodol (Liberation through hearing during the intermediate state). The text describes the different stages referred to in the Tibetan Book of the Dead, which instruct and guide the consciousness from life into death. This transitioning journey can also be understood as change and reincarnation within the living world.

Aisling Conroy’s latest work, explores the idea of intention, reincarnation and repetition within physical and psychological realities. Her paintings, are impressions of pseudo-ritualistic meditative aids, focusing on Eastern iconographic art and Tantric art. Conroy attempts to represent portals and patterns that must be passed through or broken during the process of transformation and ultimately liberation, within love, life, death and rebirth.

In 2016 Conroy completed a six-month residency at the Laois Arthouse where she developed the work for Bardo. During her residency, the new body of work that evolved was informed by and made in response to the Patrick Scott Archive, recently bequeathed to The National Irish Visual Arts Library. This archive is a rare and previously unseen collection of Scott’s day-to-day studio diaries, photographs, correspondence and drawings. Eastern art and iconography, Zen Buddhism, meditation, and ritual directly influenced Scott’s work; recurrent veins that have grown throughout her own practice.

Also on exhibition will be a number of items on loan from the Patrick Scott Archive in the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL), Dublin. Through this invaluable archive, Aisling has drawn parallels between her own art practice and life as an artist. A Patrick Scott drawing, one of his studio books and personal photographs will be included alongside the work in ‘Bardo’.

Bardo is officially opening at the Olivier Cornet Gallery on Sunday 5th of February, 3pmGuest speaker: Pauline Cummins, visual artist. 

There will be two events run alongside the exhibition in February. Please visit the Olivier Cornet Facebook page for more details.

The exhibition runs till the 4th of March 2017. 

Opening hours: 

Tues to Fri: 11am to 6pm (till 8pm on Thursdays)

Sat & Sun: 12 noon to 5pm 

Closed on Mondays (or viewing by appointment only)

Olivier Cornet Gallery3 Great Denmark Street (beside Belvedere College, off Parnell Square) Dublin 1www.oliviercornetgallery.cominfo@oliviercornetgallery.comFB: Olivier Cornet GalleryTwitter: OC_Gallery

THOU ART DUBLIN AT THE PEMBROKE TAPARELLI ARTS & FILM FESTIVAL 2016

Brilliant news to hear that Director Camille Wainer's 'Thou Art: Dublin' will be premiered in the US at the Pembroke Taparelli Arts & Film Festival in Hollywood this coming November. 'Thou Art: Dublin' is a full length documentary following the lives of five artists in Dublin during the post Celtic-Tiger period. 'Thou Art; Dublin' will be screened at the Mary Pickford Theatre on November 3rd.

The Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival was founded as a means to provide independent artists committed to social justice with a place through which to share their work with our global community.  The festival seeks to give a platform to artists who seek to use their voice in film, theatre, spoken word, painting, sculptor, and photography to bring to light such issues as, poverty, gender inequality, homelessness, hunger, physical and psychological abuse, racism,  sex trafficking, war and grief.

The festival will be an intersection between art and social justice giving independent artists a place to create, thrive and bring to market work they are passionate about without fear it will never be seen. Artists are allowed to take risk, tell their stories as they work to change the world.

The PTAFF is dedicated to the discovery and presentation of emerging artists, giving them an opportunity to let their voices be heard around the world.  Injustice in many forms is a reality affecting our global community, as artists we have a responsibility to stand up against injustice.  Many artists take action to turn these injustices around through their work.  We seek to support and aide these artist as they help to transform, save and change the lives of those who suffer, creating a sense of hope to fuel our struggle.For more info visit Thou Art: Dublin and PTAFF

NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK AND THE PATRICK SCOTT ARCHIVE

Explore an interactive online digital version of select pages from Patrick Scott's personal scrapbooks. Flip through pages & zoom-in to read articles Scott cut out & kept for posterity.Scott's scrapbooks feature career highlights, personal telegrams and photos. Throughout Heritage Week (20th- 28th August), The National Irish Visual Arts Library will showcase materials online from this rich archive as the conservation and preservation work continues. NIVAL will be sharing items of note from The Patrick Scott Archive as well as highlighting the importance of the conservation process.For more details visit:Heritage Week or  www.nival.ie.

'BARDO' 12th June -16th July 2016

A closer look at the work from Bardo, at the Laois Arthouse, Stradbally, Co. Laois.

Installation view from Bardo, 2016

 

Bardo, 2016; acrylic, enamel and nylon thread on wood. 15 x 15 cm.

 

The Wisdom of The Heart I, 2016;  acrylic, enamel and nylon thread on wood. 60 x 60 cm.

 

The Wisdom of The Heart I, 2016;  acrylic, enamel and nylon thread on wood. 60 x 60 cm.

 

Sigil I, 2016; acrylic, enamel and nylon thread on wood. 15 x 15 cm.

 

Sigil II, 2016; acrylic, enamel and nylon thread on wood. 15 x 15 cm.

 

Sigil III, 2016; acrylic, enamel and nylon thread on wood. 15 x 15 cm.

 

Sigil IV, 2016; acrylic, enamel and nylon thread on wood. 15 x 15 cm.

 

Sigil V, 2016; acrylic, enamel and nylon thread on wood. 15 x 15 cm.

 

Items from the Patrick Scott Archive, on loan from the National Irish Visual Arts Library.

 

Items from the Patrick Scott Archive, on loan from the National Irish Visual Arts Library.

 

The opening of Bardo on Sunday 12th June

 

With Jenny Haughton (who opened the exhibition) and Muireann Ní Chonaill, Arts Officer and curator of Laois Arthouse.