Askeaton Contemporary Arts
2011
Oswaldo Ruiz
As a model for his nocturnal trips in Askeaton and the surrounding countryside, Ruiz considered the fable and lament of Sweeney, an ancient Irish King who was cursed to be half man, half bird, to forever roam throughout the land. Ruiz’s camera journeyed amongst local streets, fields, yards and inside a ringfort. One night, at a now-abandoned industrial estate close to the N69 road, Ruiz constructed a sculpture formally akin to a tree, perhaps a place for Sweeney to come perch and rest?
Alan Counihan
Sculptures and installations were carved of local stone and constructed of polystyrene sourced in a factory nearby. Through his working methods, Counihan juxtaposed the nature of these materials that form a physical part of the shape of Askeaton. A collection of inter-related works were exhibited in the central cloister of the town’s Franciscan Friary and in the Community Hall.
Amanda Gutiérrez
A project was based around her work with individuals who have immigrated to Askeaton in recent years. Through a series of monologues, highly personalised stories of hope, desire and everyday reality were played out through a multi-screen video projection and scripted texts available at the local Community Hall.
Allan Hughes
Hughes investigated the politicised history of the Shannon estuary during World War 2, conducting interviews with former members of the LDF (Local Defense Force) and LSF (Local Security Force), such as Michael Foley. Hughes also gathered photo documentation of sites such as Fort Shannon at Ardmore Point, which was presented as a video and audio work in the Civic Trust building.
Elaine Byrne
Byrne produced a video about an empty cottage on Mussel Lane, working with local man Willie Harty. Recollections of his late aunt Hanni Harty were juxtaposed with the remains of the cottage’s interior. Later in the residency, Byrne performed an ephemeral architectural alteration upon a window in the local Friary.
Several public events occurred in conjunction with the artists’ stay, including an open day with artists’ projects presented around the town, a concert with prominent Irish storyteller and folklorist Eddie Lenihan and local poet Michael D. Ryan, and the annual Deel Swim, organised by Askeaton Swimming Club.
