Julie Griffiths, Sue Morris, Noel Brady, Brendan Farren, Kevin Harkin, Catherine Ellis and Kate McSharry present work throughout the site at Fort Dunree in response to Turas, exploring journeys of connection; connecting through creativity.
Morris’ work at Fort Dunree is a site-responsive installation located in one of the pillboxes, or lookout posts, perched on the headland looking out to the Atlantic. The work is a gentle intervention; its intent is to dis-arm or neutralize the building of its original usage and make it a space of contemplation: transparent layers, with suggestions of landscape, pull the viewer into and through the space, towards the sea.
Brendan Farren will create a wooden arch. Each journey begins with that first intentional step, crossing the threshold between the ordinary and the sacred, and this arch will define and delineate this beginning, your first step into the other.
Catherine Ellis’ piece explores departure. Looking out at the calm waters of Lough Swilly it’s difficult to imagine that the waves can be as high as houses out in the open sea. It takes resilience and fearlessness to put out to sea, more so in a less than seaworthy vessel. This work is inspired by anyone who has had to take that journey, now or in the past.
Grifiths will produce a spiralling path by walking it repeatedly, over the time of the exhibition, as an invitation to others to follow. This path will dissolve back into the landscape after the exhibition ends. It will be accompanied by drawings and documentation.
Kate McSharrys concrete sculptures are accompanied by audio that encourages the viewer to take time and listen. Still standing, Standing still invites the audience to establish a collective context. Art is a universal language and also a unique experience as our interpretations are affected by knowledge and environment. Take this time to pause; feel the ground beneath.
Kevin Harkin decided to build his own corrugated lookout tower in the form of a mobile Irish Elk, ready for battle at these same borders to defend our right to move freely like deer. This Irish Elk has been on standby in his yard in Derry for the past 2 years ready for charge to protect free movement. Now it will stand proudly at Fort Dunree.
Noel Brady's sculptures are an active participatory installation; vessels for gathering, which echo the form of wicker baskets and creels, shaped in part like ballistic shells. Visitors are encouraged to carry with them a stone (preferably white) to locate in the container.
Turas is a series of visual arts events presented by Regional Cultural Centre Letterkenny, An Gailearaí,Ghaoth Dobhair, The Glebe House and Gallery, Churchill and Artlink Fort Dunree throughout the summer in County Donegal.