Laois Arthouse Stradbally are set to present an exhibition called ‘Finscéal – The legend of St Brigid in words and images,’ which brings together a collection of artworks and performance from local, national and international artists.
The exhibition emerged from an art class in Stradbally, where the tutor and curator, Orla McDonagh approached Muireann Ni Chonaill to consider an exhibition of the St Brigid themed work as it was the 1500 celebration of St Brigid.
A brief callout resulted in a cross generational response and work in visual art, poetry and spoken word became part of the exhibition.
Orla McDonagh is a contemporary figurative artist and educator in a multidisciplinary practice based in Abbeyleix.
Longlisted in 2022 for the RDS visual arts award, Orla holds a degree in art history and contemporary art practice from ATU.
It all kicks off on November 4, with a night hosted by Ms Ni Chonaill with opening by Ms McDonagh and Councillor Padraig Fleming, Cathaoirelach of Laois County Council.
From ‘Brigid – Mythology and Folklore Tales, re-telling the lore of the land in the old seanachaí style’, Michelle Quirke will tell the story of Celtic Goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid as she weaves a Brigid cross.
Ms Quirke is a UCC academic of Irish Celtic Mythology and folklore.
The evening will include readings from poet, Julie Scully, performing ‘Mná Bríd’, including a short talk on her work Cross in Copper.
Poet Denise Curtin will perform ‘Birdie, Margo and Gate to Heaven’, and another poet, Anne Egan, will conclude the evening by reading on the life of Brigid of Kildare from ‘Brigid of Kildare.’
‘Brigid, Rooks and Heron at dawn’, a 2023 work by artist Lia Laimbock features in the exhibition. The work is accompanied by The St Brigid Cloak made by Lady Catherine Lenssinck.
Laois artist Julie Scully (Síle Ní Scolaidhe) had her piece, ‘Cross in Copper’, selected for ‘Unraveling an Icon, Celebrating and Remembering Brigid and her Legacy’, published in ‘Fire: Brigid and The Sacred Feminine edited by Niamh Boyce and Shauna Gilligan’ (Arlen House, 2024).
Poet Ann Egan will present three handmade books of poems, artistic responses and a billboard of poems by the sixth-class children of Ballyfin school.
Works will be presented by artists Pauline Conroy, Aisling Hassett and Oksana Rohovska, a previous recipient of The Laois Arthouse residency.
Ms Rohovska works in different techniques, this work in translucent glass painting gives the work brightness and a sense of mystery.
The Stradbally Art Group will present the works of ten artists including Veronie Naughton, Marie Croke and Jim Kehoe.
‘Solas Bhríde – the perpetual fire burning on the hill of Kildare’ as inspired Siobhan Wheatleys painting, which “represented the new light of Christianity which burns today as a beacon of hope, justice and peace for our world.”
A painting by Maureen O’Leary titled ‘Biddy Boys’ shows an ancient Kerry tradition where groups dress in straw suits and visit houses to sing, dance and celebrate St Brigid and the coming of spring.
Margaret Devoy, Kathleen Devoy and Mary Murphy interpret the lore associated with St Brigid, while Maurice Murphy presents a carving of St Brigid’s well, and Brendan Scully presents the Celtic St Brigid.
The exhibition runs from Minday, November 4 to Friday, November 29, with opening hours as follows:
- Tuesday – Friday: 1pm – 4pm (entry through Laois Arthouse)
- Tuesday and Thursday: 5.30pm – 8pm (entry through Library)
- Saturday: 10am – 1pm (entry through Library)
- Sunday: November 17, 11.30am -1.30pm (entry through Laois Arthouse)
For more details telephone 057 833 4033, email arts@laoiscoco.ie or visit Arthouse.ie or Laois.ie.
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