Where nature and the man-made intersect
BARE ROOT, a group exhibition exploring rural and farmyard environments and the points where nature and the man-made intersect, will open in County Buildings in Carricklawn on Friday, October 20, at 6pm.
The featured artists are Frank Abruzzeze, Michael Canning, Els Dietvorst, Michael Fortune, Janet Mullarney, Rosie O’Gorman, Helen Robbins, Blaise Smith, Brigitta Varadi, Michael Wann and Katie Watchorn.
The term Bare Root refers to a technique of aboriculture whereby a plant is removed from soil in a dormant state from which it can more rapidly adapt to new soil conditions. The reference emphasises time, materiality and the transference of traditions from one generation to the next generation within rural communities.
The diverse exhibition recognises the sensibilities surrounding land and labour, illuminating the materiality of Irish rural farming and capturing the traditional and commonplace in an uncommon but relatable way.
Materiality and documentation is to the fore of the exhibition. Traditional photographic principles are used in a modern way while paintings and delicate drawings in graphite and charcoal recollect artefacts and early archaeological and horticultural illustrations.
Sculptural works encapsulate the essence of life and growth, represented through twisting forms and natural shapes. The inclusion of heat lamps and dyed sheep’s wood offers a textured element from which to contemplate the sequence of life, death and the identification of animals, plants and territories.
The passage of time underscores the exhibition including the time and cycle of husbandry and cultivation, the progression of the seasons and changing practices and traditions. Folklore and stories, both ancient and combined with contemporary references are presented through video and animal pelts, highlighting the rich oral history that exists in the country and associating the rural landscape with myth and fairytales.
The overall effect is to represent and record a world which is emotional, historic and deeply rooted within the Irish consciousness.
Bare Root will be open to the public from Monday, October 23, and will continue until Friday, December 1.
The curator Anya von Gosseln will be the guest speaker at the official opening on October 20. THE WEXFORD Festival Opera Mass will be celebrated in Rowe Street Church on Sunday, October 29, at midday.
The music programme will include Schubert, Mozart and other classical composers and will be provided by Rowe Street Choir and guest singers under the direction of Ger Lawlor with guest organist Andrew Johnstone.