le cool issue # 93

NCAD shows

Looking for proof that people are open to approaching things in a fresh and, more importantly, creative manner? Check out this trio of NCAD shows, dotted around the city. The MA Interim exhibition on Francis St. occupies four spaces which the students approached; two antique shops, an old restaurant and an empty store. "Half the work is how to respond to a space that isn’t a traditional white cube," says Frank Wasser, an MA student who is also co-curating Moxie Studio's show, Applause, of nearly fifty 3rd year Paint and Sculpture undergrads. Basic Space, a massive warehouse at the back of Vicar St. recently given to students for use, has allowed NCADers to think in a much larger way about their work. It's used also for exhibitions and Threads, an NCAD based collaborative group, will be showing on Wednesday. It feels exciting.

 

Shiva Linga Paintings

Shiva is male creative energy. Linga symbolises him. Sculpturally he is expressed like a phallus, but these paintings show Shiva unborn as ovals and are serene. Which they should be, each was made in northwest India for domestic meditation. Depicting not just a God but a history of worship and tradition, even entirely out of context in a gallery space they retain a contemplative aura. Shiva appeared in visual form over 5000 years ago, possibly the longest evolution of an image. A large sheet boasts The Thousand Names of Shiva. Among these are some real gems including Emitter of all Fragrance and Delight, The one with Dreadlocks, Drawing his Semen up (the Central Channel), Spiritually Intoxicated, Fond of Limbs, With Lips Suspended as Space and Earth, Best of the Best of All Gods, and Having a Great Collarbone. Sounds like my kind of guy.

 

Garvan Gallagher - Wearing Purple

These photographs delighted me. Part of the Bealtaine festival, the portraits are of folk from the artist's home town of Donegal. Growing up they blended casually into the village but now, they stand out as Senior Citizens. Gallagher gave over a large amount of control to them with each portrait taken by the subject themselves, though within the artist's specifications. He gives a sweet anecdote of his old accordion teacher dressing up in honour of the sitting. Each sitter was given a disposable camera to record their life. A car park outside Lidl appears, as do fields, sheep and garden walls. And there's Kathleen McGinley in her kitchen! I appreciated that though these elders are the postman, teachers and not artists themselves, the images captured are mostly considered, well framed shots, recorded with care.

See full issue - HERE -