A unique exhibition of tactile and sound art by a group with vision impairments will go on display at the Dublin Art Mill from Thursday 26th November 2009.
The work on show will include 3-dimensional sculpture, sound art installations and an audio-visual documentary on the creative process. All the sculptural artworks are tactile and visitors are invited to touch them. The exhibition, which runs until 2nd December, will be opened by Pádraig Naughton, artist and Director of Arts and Disability Ireland.
The project began over 12 months ago, when artist Siobhán Clancy began working with a group at the National Council for the Blind of Ireland’s (NCBI) Iona Centre in Dublin, an activity centre for adults who are blind or vision impaired. For the project participants, this was the first time they had engaged in the development, production and exhibition of art in a contemporary context. Until then, most felt that their sight loss left art out of their reach, as one participant outlines. “I discovered that I’m capable of being an artist. I don’t mean I’m going to be one, but I never thought it was something I could do or that you wouldn’t have to have perfect vision to be an artist,” said Lorraine Donegan, project participant.
Developing an artistic experience that appealed to multiple senses was a fundamental element of the project, according to Clancy. “Very soon into the project, the group and I found that we shared a common interest in artwork that is tactile, engaging and interactive on a sensory as well as an intellectual level. We also discovered a mutual dislike for ‘Do Not Touch’ signs in galleries! So from the outset, we were determined to get our hands dirty and we explored a wide variety of materials and methods of 3-dimensional artmaking, including clay modelling, paint, plaster casting, alginate mould-making, wax casting, paper and card sculpture and sound production including recording, mixing, audio description and live transmission.”
Lorraine Donegan who attends NCBI’s Iona Centre and has lived with sight loss since birth, was surprised by how engaging creating art became. “I have tunnel vision. I didn’t expect this side of art so I was pleasantly surprised that I could do things with my hands. Every time I see a sculpture now I have to go over and check it out. It’s a whole new learning process for me and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
Shane Byrne, a participant with a degenerative genetic eye condition remarked now the experience sparked other interests. “It has renewed my interest in other things as well. I’ve been to visit more galleries since I started. Every time I go to a new city, I look through the paper for exhibitions that might be on whilst I’m there. It made sense that an exhibition formed a natural conclusion to our project. Escape into Sound presents the highlights of the artistic voyage we made together.”
On Wednesday December 2nd 2009 at 12pm, the exhibition will conclude with a talk by participating service users in conversation with the collaborating artist. The event will be chaired by Pádraig Naughton.
The show will be open 12-5pm daily from Friday 27th November until Tuesday 1st December. The exhibition space is fully accessible. Information will be provided in braille and large print. We invite all visitors to record your feedback in our video comment booth.
Guided tours by the project participants are available by appointment for groups only. Contact ncbilistening@gmail.com or telephone 085 153 9150.
NCBI provides support and services to more than 14,500 people living with sight loss in Ireland.
For more information on our project see www.theartoflistening.wordpress.com
This exhibition is part of a long term project supported by the Arts Councils Artist in the Community Scheme and managed by Create (The National Development Agency for Collaborative Arts).
For more information contact Fionnuala Murphy, Communications Officer, NCBI on 01 8821975 or email fionnuala.murphy@ncbi.ie