Scéalta dar dTalún exhibition by Joe Doherty and Jackie O'Neill, considering the land as an archive. Joe Doherty's work is on view at Ballyhaise House Lady's Walk until the end of September and Jackie's work can be viewed in Dottiewasadeer, Bridge Street, Cavan.
A large appreciative audience attended the opening event on Saturday 19 August, a collaboration with Creative Ireland and Heritage Week and hosted by the arts and heritage offices of Cavan County Council at Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Teagasc.
Accompanying the work of the artists Joe Doherty and Jackie O Neill Lisa O Neill, singer songwriter shared new songs that she created from the Ballyhaise narratives and working with her sister visual artist Jackie O Neill. Noel Monahan, poet launching the exhibition spoke about the importance of reflection and research in creating a considered response to place. He commended the work of the artists and spoke of the value of spending time with the art work . He spoke also about the valuable work of the Schools Folklore Collection and how the artist used this as a point of connection with local children at St Mary's National School, Ballyhaise and to inform the interpretation of the history and folklore of place.
Speaking about the work Jackie O Neill says
"Each piece in the Scéalta Dàr dTalún exhibition tells a story. Landscape and imagination come to together to create a series that I call ‘dreamscapes’. I know we can’t be sure what happened here before, but my hope is to create passage ways for the viewer into the curiosities of the river Annalee, the one tree, the others trees, the harvests, the battles, and the creatures and characters that have previously walked this land. "
About the Artists
Jackie O Neill also know by her playful name Dotti Was A Deer is a textile artist and illustrator and works from her studio on Bridge St, Cavan. The artist has produced five collections as Dotti Was A Deer. She is inspired by the land and the stories it holds.
Joe Doherty is a work worker with a studio in Cavan. He has collaborated with Jackie O Neill previously on Living Thing. He is particularly influenced by the writing of Joyce Kilmer and Geoffrey Chaucer.
Lisa O Neill is writing songs and music from an early age in her native Ballyhaise. She is a frequent contributor on the national music scene where her singular voice, witty lyrics and observations on modern Irish life gained her popularity and set her apart as a unique talent.
The Funders
This exhibition is a joint initiative supported by the arts and heritage offices of Cavan County Council. The guilding principle of Cavan Heritage Office is to ensure that the unique and diverse heritage of County Cavan is conserved, sustained and cherised by the people of County Cavan. The Heritage Office is funded by the Heritage Council. The arts office priorities artists and audience development to support access to and participate in the arts. Cavan County Council arts office acknowledges the support of the Arts Council as the long term partner in local arts development.
Creative Ireland support is acnowledged and arts and heritage are an essential part of the Culture Team in Cavan which includes, the Library, The Museum, Ramor Theatre and the Communications Officer. Creative Ireland is the Government's legacy programme from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.