In columns for this issue, we reflect on capacity and slowness across the arts sector; Lian Bell considers the implications of slow travel, while Catherine Hemelryk shares some thoughts on delivering a meaningful programme with limited funding, staffing, and resources.
This issue also features a series of timely interviews: Joanne Laws interviews Eimear Walshe and Sara Greavu about the forthcoming representation of Ireland at the Venice Biennale; Thomas Pool interviews participants of the Freelands Artist Programme; and Sarah Long interviews Marianne Keating about her touring exhibition, ‘An Ciúnas / The Silence’, currently showing at The Model.
In Focus: Collectives is a special section for this issue, featuring six diverse groups working in the experimental field, with reflections on art historical DIY influences, and the infrastructure, networks, and supports needed to maintain a collective practice. We hear from artist collectives Mná Rógaire, The Glue Factory, and Everything But The Kitchen Sink; experimental music ensemble, Kirkos; rave architecture collective, Temporary Pleasure; and community archive, Éireann and I, who each outline their previous, current and forthcoming activities.
On The Cover
Eimear Walshe, ROMANTIC IRELAND, 2023, production still; photograph by Faolán Carey, courtesy of the artist and Ireland at Venice.
First Pages
- Roundup. Exhibitions and events from the past two months.
- News. The latest developments in the arts sector.
Columns
- Wee Windows. Cornelius Browne considers apertures and vantage points onto the past.
Greetings from the Countryside (Strong Emotions). Laura Fitzgerald presents an excerpt from her new artist’s book.
- On Capacity. Catherine Hemelryk shares some thoughts on delivering meaningful programmes with limited resources.
Surface Tactics. For the first in a series of columns, Lian Bell considers the implications of slow travel.
- Access Toolkits: A Living Tradition. Iarlaith Ní Fheorais outlines her recently published Access Toolkit for Artworkers.
Responding to Sound. Catherine Marshall discusses the work of KCAT Studio artist Diana Chambers.
Exhibition Profile
- An Ciúnas. Sarah Long interviews Marianne Keating about her latest film and touring exhibition.
- Rehearsals. Ella de Búrca reviews Yvonne McGuiness’s recent solo exhibition at Butler Gallery.
In Focus: Collectives
- The Material Body. Mná Rógaire, Artist Collective.
A Tapestry of Talents. Everything But The Kitchen Sink.
- Mutual Care. Kirkos, Experimental Music Ensemble.
- What Makes A Club? Temporary Pleasure, Rave Architecture Collective.
- Liberatory Practices. Éireann and I, Collaborative Community Archive.
Not About Horses. The Glue Factory.
Critique
- Olivia O’Dwyer, Author of My Days, 2023, oil on canvas.
- Olivia O’Dwyer at Kevin Kavanagh
- Christine Mackey at glór
- Laura Buckley at Galway Arts Centre
- Venus Patel at Crawford Art Gallery
- Kate Cooper at Project Arts Centre
Organisation Profile
- Social Permaculture. Joanne Laws interviews Vivianna Chechia about her plans and aspirations as Director of Void Gallery in Derry.
Festival / Biennale
- Romantic Ireland. Joanne Laws interviews Eimear Walshe and Sara Greavu about the forthcoming representation of Ireland at the Venice Biennale.
International
- Memory Ware. Alan Phelan reviews Mike Kelley’s recent retrospective at The Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection in Paris.
Project Profile
- Freelands. Thomas pool interviews the artists from the Freelands Artist Programme at PS2 and The Freelands Studio Fellow.
Member Profile
- Vanitas: New Old Paintings. Madeleine Shinnick reflects on the convergence of joy and sorrow in her painting practice.
Capturing the Lightness. Shabnam Vasisht outlines the evolution of her practice to date.
Last Pages
- VAI Lifelong Learning. Upcoming VAI helpdesks, cafés, and webinars.