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Bridge Street Studios, a renowned hub of artistry in Dundalk are hosting their latest visual art exhibition, 'Shed,' at the Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh from now until 6 July 2024. Opening hours are from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Nestled in a historic 250-year-old grain store, Bridge Street Studios stands as a testament to the thriving creativity within Dundalk and the collective of Louth and South Armagh artists make up one of the oldest and largest independent artistic collectives in Ireland being an integral part of the town's creative fabric since their formation in 1996.
The 'Shed' exhibition features the works of nine dynamic professional artists and craftspeople who are all based in Bridge Street Studios, including Orlaith Cullinane, Rachel Tinniswood, Mary Cowan, Cathy McKeown, Suzanne Carroll, Caoilfionn Murphy O'Hanlon, Orla Barry, Sarah McKenna, and Fiona Quigley. Their collective expertise spans a wide array of mediums, including paintings, sculpture, prints, ceramics, textiles, and mixed media.
The artists have masterfully explored the theme of "Shed" with rich imagery, allusion, and symbolism, crafting responses and connections on personal, local, and universal levels. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the theme, creating a diverse and thought-provoking exhibition.
Highlights
Caoilfionn Murphy O'Hanlon works in Sticky Fingers in Newry and her art is based around natural textiles especially wool. Her wool and silk paintings colourfully depict scenes from around south Armagh and you can check her work out at cushlaofgullion.com
Orla Barry presents a series of hinged triptychs, offering homages to nature that shed light on its wonder and beauty.
Orlaith Cullinane, through sculpture and drawing, explores the shedding of light into the shadow side of the psyche.
Rachel Tinniswood manipulates fabric and silk, creating pieces with a skin-like quality that centre around layers and renewal. Check her work at orlabarry.com
Sarah McKenna's sculptures delve into the layers of stories that shape our identity, exploring the desire to shed certain layers while acknowledging their integral role. Visit sarahmckenna.ie
Fiona Quigley, inspired by the concept of shedding inhibitions, captures the beauty of nature in mixed media pieces, including acrylic, oil, machine embroidery, and handmade papers. See Fionaquigleyarist
Suzanne Carroll’s studio practice is influenced by her surroundings on the Cooley Mountains. For Shed the work depicts the now extinct Giant Irish Red Deer. Many examples of its antlers, which it sheds annually, have been found preserved in our peat bogs and ancient lakes. As we marvel at the spread of this magnificent creature's crowning glory Suzanne encourages the viewer to consider the National Parks and Wildlife’s Red list of threatened native species and asks how many more of our native species are we prepared to shed from the delicately balanced ecosystem on our island. Look at suzannecarrollart.com
Mary Cowan explores an old, abandoned shed near where she lives, creating a series of ceramic sculptures inspired by the treasures found inside. See marycowanceramics.com
Cathy McKeown’s large vivid paintings explore the duality of spaces as inside and outside.
Visual artist, Orlaith Cullinane from Bridge Street Studios commented, "I am thrilled to be part of 'Shed,' an exhibition that goes beyond individual perspectives, uniting the diverse talents of Bridge Street Studios. Through our collective exploration of the theme, we shed light on the beauty, renewal, and layers of stories that define our artistic journey. We can’t wait to invite visitors to the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, providing them with the opportunity to explore this collection of artwork that truly reflects the diverse and vibrant creativity of our members.” See www.orlaithcullinane.com
Rachel Tinniswood works with textiles fusing fabric and thread with the odd unexpected element thrown in Check out racheltinniswood.ie
Workshops
Saturday 25th May: ‘Meet the Maker’ Talks at the Craft Fair in the Market Place
12pm - 1pm and 2pm - 3pm
Saturday 1st June: Suzanne Carroll 'A Morning of Experimental Drawing' Workshop
10am - 12pm
For more information please visit marketplacetheatre or www.bridgestreetstudios.com
