Ceara Conway
An Cuairteoir - The Visitor
''An Cuairteoir - The Visitor'' was a three week project devised by Ceara Conway and funded by Ealain na Gaeltachta.
Each week Ceara visited a Gaeltacht community and used the time to create a new body of photographic works using the concept of ''the visitor'' as a framework. As part of this micro residency the artist facilitated a free photography workshop that explored the theme of ''seeing anew'' with fresh eyes. On the last evening she curated and hosted an informal social night called. ''Oiche Chuairt''. The aim of these social nights was to create an informal space for both local and visiting artist musicians and academics to meet and to engage with the community in an informal setting.
For the first Cuairt/ Tir an Fhia academic Michelle Collins was invited to give an informal talk on her MA thesis on ''Keening'', Sophie Coyle sang and exhibited prints the workshop participants exhibited their photos on the night. For the second Cuairt/Carna Mathew Noone from the Irish World Academy gave a talk on the connection between'' Traditional Music and the Landscape'', Roisin Coyle's film ''People of the Sea'' was screened at the local life boat house and Catriona Ni Cheannabhain and Ceara sang as well as MairtinJohnny Learai. Locals both young and old particpated with music and their own knowledge on the subjects discussed. There was a great turn out for both night with many people saying it felt like the old house visits but with a new difference. Click on the links below for a taste of the talk and songs.
Sophie Coyle