Nature and Place is a new series of temporary works, taking inspiration from the forests of Ticknock, Tibradden, Barnaslingan, Carrickgollogan, Kilmashogue and Ballyedmonduff. The selected artists have each been awarded funding by dlr Arts Office to develop their projects between December 2023 and March 2024. There will be a public outcome during National Tree Week 2024 (19-26 March). Supported by Coillte and the Dublin Mountains Partnership.
(See the article in the Dublin Gazette here for more information)
Robert Coleman / Laura Sarah Dowdall
The Barnaslingan Soundwalk is a hybrid soundwalk performance. It is a collaboration between composer and sound artist Robert Coleman and dancer/choreographer Laura Sarah Dowdall. Using specialist microphones, Robert captures the hidden sounds within trees and the earth beneath, unveiling the usually inaudible sounds around us. Laura’s artistic practice complements this journey, exploring the convergence of touch and sound and the senses. The project encourages participants to discover the nuances of the environment and foster a deeper appreciation for the sounds and substance of the forest.
Composer Robert Coleman’s current work draws from soundscape studies, site-specific art, field recording, and community and participatory arts. Laura Sarah Dowdall is an innovative dance artist creating engaging work, which incorporates site-specific performance, spoken word and film.
Méadhbh O'Connor
Méadhbh is creating a poetic, sonic artwork that visitors can listen to on their personal devices as they explore the six Coillte forests of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown on foot and will also be transmitted to people farther afield to join in the imagination. The verses will combine evocations of the land the audience passes through with a meditative, otherworldly accompaniment, in the hope of creating an expansive and atmospheric experience.
Méadhbh O’Connor is a visual artist whose work is composed of an extended exploration at the intersections of art, science, technology and environment. She uses sculptural and multimedia installation, image making and the written and spoken word. She has a decade of experience working in parallel with scientific researchers with whom she shares deep interests in the underlying structures of nature.
Martin Healy
Plans to capture a series of photographs during walks in the six forests. His aim is to convey the contrasting perspectives of the humans, mammals, birds, plants and trees that share these spaces. The photographs will explore the various perspectives of the species that inhabit the spaces - these may include ground level views, aerial shots of the forest canopy, night time images and images from the darkest areas of the forest –representing a wide range of perspectives.
Martin Healy's work has been shown widely both nationally and internationally. International residencies include CCA, Andratx, Mallorca, 2022; Cove Park, Scotland, 2014; Temple Bar Gallery & Studios / HIAP-International Residency Exchange, Helsinki, 2010; Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris, 2008; Artists’ Residency Programme at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, 2007; the International Studio Programme Residency at PS1 Contemporary Art Centre, New York, 2000/01.