KILDARE: New exhibition is part of Riverbank Art Centre’s programme for First Fortnight

Riverbank Arts Centre have announced a new exhibition to the McKenna Gallery. Freedom of Choice, curated by artist Clodagh Kelly, features the work of ten artists and is part of Riverbank Art Centre’s programme for First Fortnight.

In 2022 artist Clodagh Kelly led an artist residence programme at Riverbank Arts Centre, supported by the Kildare County Council Arts Service First Fortnight Award, in partnership with First Fortnight. Women of diverse ages, arts experiences and social backgrounds participated in the residency which resulted in Freedom of Choice – a body of work which gives a glimpse into these women’s lives.

The artwork created shows their personalised take on health/wellbeing and journeys of healing whilst world politics, Covid and environmental issues impacted global health, families and communities. During a week-long artist residency, women processed ideas and held discussions on healing connections through nature, unseen homelessness in Ireland, the human body, recovery from trauma, communication between patient and medical staff, women and violence, gender, patriarchal systems, fertility, sexuality, women’s working rights in the arts industry and the role of feminism.

These along with other concerns were processed through drawing and mixed media, with a creative oversight by exhibition curator Clodagh Kelly. Freedom of Choice features the work of Julie Duane, Eileen Keane, Lucy O’Sullivan, Mia Thompson, Donna Mae Linton, Líadan (Lí) Ní Chearbhaill, Mary Goggins, Nina Raeside Reilly, Rosemary Noonan, and Clodagh Kelly.

Clodagh Kelly is the first artist to receive the Kildare County Council Arts Service First Fortnight Award, in partnership with First Fortnight. Lucina Russell, Arts Officer Kildare County Council says “When the Arts Service introduces a new award, there is always an apprehension about if and how artists can relate to the award.  The First Fortnight Award, recently established by Kildare County Council Arts Service, in partnership with First Fortnight and Riverbank Arts Centre attracted applications from artists who have developed idea and possibilities, with integrity and care.”

The Freedom of Choice project, led by Clodagh Kelly provides an opportunity for the participant artists and audiences to explore health, wellbeing and recovery through a variety of media. There is something about the tactile nature of the work produced that allows us to engage with and respond to the themes in a sensory way.  Congratulations to all of the artists who engaged in highly personal, delicate and sensitive material that has been expressed with care.”

When asked about the subject matter of the exhibition and what it hopes to convey curator Clodagh Kelly states “This exhibition offers an insight into the issues facing women after Covid and rapidly changing global politics, what happens in our domestic situations affects our world view and how we choose to move forwards within our global community.” She goes on “The visual arts has a strong tradition of advocating for social discourse regarding gender, race, politics and social engagement within diverse communities.”

Maria Fleming, Chief Executive Office of First Fortnight remarks on the exhibition “First Fortnight are delighted to partner with Kildare County Council Arts Service and Riverbank on the exhibition Freedom of Choice. Clodagh Kelly is the recipient of Kildare County Council Arts Service - First Fortnight Award, in partnership with First Fortnight. Clodagh's submission for the award was engaging, creative and meaningful.  We are delighted that this wonderful exhibition perfectly portrays through this body of work some of the remarkable process involved across the residency. First Fortnight are pleased that the work can be engaged with through a number of events including the opening, a talk and a workshop. We are very proud to continue our meaningful partnership with Riverbank, who each year enthusiastically programme events as part of our annual festival which addresses the stigma attached to mental health.  More than ever it is important to gather and celebrate the power and the joy of the arts and culture. We would like to congratulate Clodagh and all the participants who have engaged with her on this wonderful exhibition and we look forward to hearing the responses from audiences to the work.”

Freedom of Choice and its many themes will be further explored through a public participatory panel discussion and creative response workshop on Thursday 19th January at 7pm & 8.15pm respectively. Booking for the workshop is essential.

Freedom of Choice runs in the McKenna Gallery until Saturday 28 January. Admission free. For more information please visit www.riverbank.ie

 The Creative Response Workshop will take place at Riverbank Arts Centre on Thursday 19th January at 8.15pm. Places are free and can be booked through the Box Office, either in person or by telephone on 045 448327 Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm (closed for lunch 2-2.30) and Saturday 10am-1pm. Tickets can also be booked 24/7 on www.riverbank.ie