The Visual Artists’ News Sheet (VAN ) is the primary all-Ireland information resource for visual artists. For this and the May – June issue we have invited art critic James Merrigan as guest editor. For this issue he proposed the theme of sex, which threads its way through the contributions by Alan Butler, Jennifer Mehigan, Alan Phelan, Emma Haugh, Sarah Devereux and Merrigan in the thematic essay ‘Situational Erotics’.
Our regional focus for this issue is North Down and Ards, with features from artists Laura Butler and Sharon Adams, alongside updates from The Braid Arts Centre and Larne Museum and Arts Centre.
‘Residency’ reports come from Iranian artist Siamak Delzendeh, who recently undertook a critical writing exchange at IMMA, and Katherine Waugh, who programmed a series of films as part of her project residency at the Workhouse Union in Callan, Kilkenny.
In his ‘How is it Made?’ article, ‘Norway (Sex) Diaries’, Alan Phelan tells of filming a new work on Roger Casement’s sexuality on location in Norway. In her article, Sue Rainsford introduces her process-oriented writing and describes working with Bridget O’Gorman for her exhibition at The LAB, Dublin.
‘Career Development’ pieces in this issue cover a broad range of practices and feature artists at various stages of their careers. On the painting theme, Alison Pilkington talks to Donald Teskey about his influences and his choices, while Ruth Clinton and Niamh Moriarty introduce their collaborative practice. Alan Butler talks to Jennifer Mehigan about her emerging practice.
Reviewed in the ‘Critique’ section are: Sean Lynch at Limerick City Gallery; Bridget O’Gorman at The LAB, Dublin; David Lunney at Eight Gallery, Dublin; group show ‘She Devil’ at Golden Thread, Belfast; and Niamh O’Doherty, Victoria J. Dean and Laura Smith at Galway Arts Centre.
As ever, we have details of upcoming VAI Professional Development Programme, exhibition and public art roundups, news from the sector and current opportunities.
Members of VAI receive a copy of the VAN delivered straight to their door. The News Sheet is also available to pick up free of charge in galleries and arts centres. Selected articles featured in the print edition are available at the Visual Artists’ News Sheet Online here: www.visualartistsireland.com.