Art brings history of ‘First Irish’ to life in exhibition

THE LAUNCH of a unique book and corresponding photography exhibition at the Irish National Heritage Park on February 3 will focus on the ‘First Irish’ and their relationship with the land and livestock on it.

The free event is the culmination of a project where photo journalist Claudio Nego spent time alongside ethical hunter Neil Motherway, who is one of many crafters that work in the heritage park. During his time spent with Neil, Claudio was drawn to the emergence of the first society in the country and began to think about the lessons that could be learned from the ‘first Irish’ in terms of equality, co-operation, resource sharing and humanity.

Neil is a hunter and a former vegetarian; his approach to the hunt and the respect he gives his quarry reflects some of the ethos of early hunter-gatherer society.

Claudio will launch his ‘First Irish’ book at the event as well as unveiling his photography exhibition; Neil Motherway will give a presentation on the historical connection and ethics of hunting; and archaeologist Dr Stephen Mandal will give a talk on the Mesolithic period and the transition to the Neolithic.

The event will conclude with a round table discussion with the audience.

The launch and exhibition is the second part of a project made possible by funding from Creative Ireland and Wexford County Council. The first part, ‘Sounding Seams’ was a collaboration between musician Laura Hyland and blacksmith Guy Urbin.

The Heritage Park has been the facilitator of this coming-together of artists and crafters.

Park Manager Chris Hayes said they were eager to encourage more artistic interpretations of what they present to the public.

He said: ‘We tell the story of 9,000 years of human settlement on this island mainly through buildings, but those buildings were home to our ancestors who had their own culture of identity, music and customs. We need artistic voices in here to challenge what can be a dull historical narrative and to bring it to life.’

The event takes place in the AV Room of the Heritage Park on Sunday at 4 p.m.

For more information contact Irish National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig, Wexford: 053 9120733