In Under Over Out
Logo by John Langan
Participating artists in the second strand of the Ground Up project developed a collaborative structure which allowed them to submerge their individual practice in a collective methodology within a geographically enclosed area in Co. Clare, west from Corofin to Hags head, North to Deer Island and linking back from Deer Island to Corofin.
The five artists - Maria Kerin from Bellharbour, John Langan originally from Ennis, Aileen Lambert from Wexford, Deirdre O’ Mahony of Kilnaboy and Vincent Wall from Ennistymon - decided to develop a series of forums through which the artists and the community could meet and exchange ideas, opinions and stories of contemporary rural experience prior to developing proposals for temporary works in various rural contexts.
The initial point of contact was at the Ennistymon Agricultural Show on the June 6th 2004, where people were invited to respond to a photographic installation of images taken by the artists, that are related to the artists personal experience of "ruralness". The installation was visited by over five hundred people and generated over fifty written responses on the printed postcards distributed at the event as well as numerous recorded interviews.
This presentation succeeded in the objective of introducing the project to the community as a prelude to a second event which took place at the North Clare Agricultural Show in Corofin on July 24th 2004. Each of the five artists presented their ideas in the form of temporary works made for the show, which attracts huge crowds from the North Clare area. Showcasing not only the art, but also the way in which artists get ideas, gave artists and audiences an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and opinions. The ultimate aim of this research was to explore how contemporary art can engage with the real issues and concerns of the rural communities in North Clare.
GROUND UP PROCESS
Intervention at Ennistymon Show, June 2004
Intervention at Corofin Agriculatural Show, July 2004
Visit to Wales to meet with OINTMENT
Mentoring
COMMISSIONED WORKS
Sweet Bellharbour - Maria Kerin
Clog an Chlair - Aileen Lambert
Cross Land - Deirdre O' Mahony
Immature Fluke - Vince Wall
