Nicola Gordon Bowe previews multidisciplinary work by four artists inspired by their location in Co Clare showing at Origin in September
In 2014, four women living and working in East Clare, each at the peak of their varied and successful careers as professional artists, showed their work at a multidisciplinary exhibition, ‘Elemental Dialogue’ at the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon, Co Clare. Having collaborated on various applied arts and educational projects over the previous seven years, they recognized that such was their rapport and understanding of each other’s work, and their mutual preoccupation with ‘the huge skies, the rugged terrain and the sea’s energy ‘ through which they continue to explore their own deeper spiritual dimensions, they decided to form a group which could provide original contemporary artworks for interiors. They called it ‘Crof’ from the Irish meaning ‘Heart’ because that is what they reckoned they brought to their work collectively and individually, with their ongoing commitment to ‘exploring the dynamics of the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water’ through expertly crafted yet emotionally instilled pieces. At the same time, by living and working close to the natural habitats of rural and coastal Ireland, they hope to remind us to respect its material and mythical diversity and beauty.
Brian McAvera sees Colin Davidson wrestle with sexual politics in his new series of Nudes on view this autumn at Oliver Sears Gallery, Dublin.
Can the pragmatic 21st-century East range at Trinity College Dublin match the 18th-century splendour of the West Front? James Howley appraises recent developments on the campus
Behind the bustle and colour of the 2016 graduate shows Gerry Walker finds a wealth of well-researched, accomplished projects.