Bolay residency artist embarks on emotive exhibition at Mayo arts centre
PAUL Murnaghan, Bolay residency recipient 2023, has commenced with his six-week post in the Linenhall Arts Centre’s new artist studio.
Murnaghan’s work explores memories and emotions as he works with the substance of belief, sharing concepts through various artistic forms.
He is reaching out to Castlebar communities posing a simple question and asking those interested to make contact with their responses, which will form a new video artwork focused on universal connectivity by way of separation.
The question is: ‘Where do you go?’ Murnaghan wants to know where do you go, when you need to be alone, to clear your head, to be apart? Is it a memory, a place, a song, a book, a smell, your phone, your God? Is it still possible? Illegal? Imaginary? Beautiful? Melancholy? Does it exist? Can you express it in a few words?
If this simple question sparks your interest to respond then you can get in touch with Murnaghan at info@paulmurnaghan.com between Friday, December 1, and Thursday, December 21. The resulting work will form part of Murnaghan’s exhibition in the Linenhall in 2024.
In today's multicultural, ultra-digital community, belief is constantly evolving, often taking the form of bespoke constructs, blending what is trending.
The questions and requests may seem simple, but on consideration tend to expose the underbelly of contemporary psychological, spiritual and scientific concerns. In this case,
Murnaghan intends a split-screen video work, to compose a soundtrack and construct an installation, featuring people from diverse Castlebar communities. All are encouraged to contribute as that makes the work.
VISUAL ARTS AND MUSIC
In other visual arts news, the spectacular Infinite Light Project debuts on Friday, December 1, running for nine days.
This large-scale project will engage audiences of all ages to explore light and colour in a myriad of ways in two locations: SuperValu carpark and the Linenhall’s theatre, which will be transformed like never before. In line with the festive season, this interactive and breathtaking arts experience is full of ambient colour and light.
The Mayo Artists Show continues in the Linenhall gallery until January 6. Featuring artists Breda Burns, Michael Gannon, Jo Killalea, Mark Nute, Jimmy Lawlor and Mags Duffy, among many more, this impressive exhibition features 128 works by artists from or living in Mayo.
Award-winning singer and songwriter Aoife Scott performs on Friday, December 15. Hailing from the legendary Black family, she has been described as having an unwavering commitment to her craft.
Details on all shows and arts engagements are available via info@thelinenhall.com or by phone on (094) 9023733.