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Aileen Lambert
Clog an Chlair
Scattery Island, Co. Clare, June 2006
Clog an Chlair was a temporary public artwork by Aileen Lambert which took the form of a sound installation on Scattery Island off Kilrush Co. Clare from sunrise to sunset on the longest day day of the year June 21st 2006 [due to stormy weather, it actually took place on June 24th!] The soundwork features bells which were recorded at various locations throughout County Clare. A three minute soundwork was also featured on Clare FM on the evening of the summer solstice, June 21st, at the time of sunset on Scattery Island, shortly after 10 pm.
Clog an Chlair can be translated as Bell or Clock of Clare, as there are two meanings of the Irish word Clog. This artwork continued the use of the bell throughout history as a means of marking time as well as communicating with the surrounding community. The artist travelled around County Clare recording hand-rung bells in a number of churches and on one farm; these recordings formed the basis of the soundwork played on Scattery Island.
Shadow of Clonusker bell Peel of Bells, Killaloe Cathedral
A specially chartered ferry brought people out to the island for the event; now deserted, Scattery Island was once an important monastic centre, and a place of pilgrimage. Inhabited up until the 1960's it is now a heritage site; the artist's intervention on the island meant that bells were once again heard coming from the tower. This was a moving event, and one which drew an audience from right across the community.
Monastic settlement, Scattery Island
The artist says "This place-based artwork is intended to deepen people's experience of the physical, aural and social environment around them. As rural society, up to recent years, predominantly revolved around the seasons, this work is intended to generate reflection on the changing society in rural Ireland."
Round tower, location of the soundwork on June 24th