A site-responsive project on Arannmore Island off the coast of Donegal by Lay of the Land.
Sparked by the “community within communities” aspect of Arranmore Island and the unifying force of shared heritage, Lay of the Land invited 4 artists to create a site-responsive exhibition that encapsulates these elements of island life.
Project details
Liadain Aiken, Kari Cahill,Ciara Harission and Hazel McCague spent two weeks in residence on the island gathering plant material, learning old ways of bygone industries, and engaging with the rich heritage of Arranmore. Through storytelling, conversations with locals and research they captured and catalogued their findings, enlivening the connection between culture and land.
The artists created a rich palette of natural dyes and inks from the landscape. They mapped the boithríns and hedgerows as they collected bark, leaves, stone, berries, nuts, weeds and flowers. The audience were invited to discover their findings through an interactive exhibition. The resulting colours captured the seasonal hues in abundance in September in the West of Ireland.Hand dyed wool hanks sat alongside pigment tests on their site-specific display unit. A knitting machine was used to create kerchiefs using the dyed wool.
EXHIBITION
The residents of Arranmore were invited to come and share their knowledge and experiences while engaging with the interactive exhibition. Between the community 250 unique paintings were created over 3 days.
The artists and islanders shared conversations about how the land has been used through generations. Stories of by-gone times were recounted, and ideas for the future were conceived. Each contribution was marked by the gesture of tying a knot, thus creating a collective art piece that signifies shared experiences. The knot-piece was left on the island along with an archive of the inks and dyes created.
Works
Inks
Artists
LIADAIN AIKEN
Liadain’s knitwear project began from a desire to create sustainable, ethical & functional garments that leave a happy footprint on our earth.
Embracing a slow and considered approach, her creations are born in the practical. Yet they speak for themselves in their irreverent colour combinations and playful patterns that push the boundaries of traditional Irish knitwear.
Liadain joined us on RES 2 - Port where we developed CALAFORT. Through our conversations around the hearth we knew we wanted her to be involved in this project - not only for her knowledge of knitwear heritage but also her hands on approach to making.
CIARA HARISSON
Using textiles, mark-making and mixed media Ciara produces artwork as a reflection and exploration of material culture, folklore, folklife, tradition and the ephemeral.
Ciara’s practice also includes a social and collective dimension, in particular in healthcare and educational settings. Through socially engaged art practice she endeavours to create social change through collaboration with individuals, communities and instititions in the creation of participatory art.
Ciara joined us on RES 1 - Kerry where we were delighted by the diversity of her practice, and her approach to community. We believe the project, and the island will benefit greatly from Ciara’s practice.
HAZEL MC CAGUE
Exposure to new cultures, landscapes, people, places and things has engendered a sense of openness and freedom that has contributed to a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach in her art practice.
Hazel began her career in woven textile design moving towards large scale installations. She loves to work in a variety of mediums from fabric to wood to rope with an emphasis on reusing and repurposing old materials.
Currently, she is getting back to her roots and reconnecting with the landscape. Her work now focuses on the relationship between textile design and sculptural installation.
KARI CAHILL
Kari’s work aims to close the gap between physical and emotional experiences of place. She is drawn to the idea that we are from the land, and that through our experience of it we begin to embody its essence.
The word “landscape” not only refers to the topography of an environment, but also to its existence within society, consciousness and experiences. As we move through our existence we traverse thousands of constantly shifting landscapes – both geographical and experiential - moulding them around us. They shape how we think, move and express ourselves. Kari likes to think of this concept as our “landscape of experience”.
Kari uses painting as a vehicle for exploration of texture, movement and light, often experimenting with inkmaking from natural materials.
Calafort is supported by the Arts Council are part funded by you, our audience, through generous donations. Thank you for believing that art is a valuable, transformative force.
100% of donation go directly to supporting and sustaining Lay of the Land projects and artists.
Location
Arranmore is located in the North Atlantic off the Donegal Coast. Ferry Services run from Burtonport in Letterkenny.
Google map link: