Sample-Studios is delighted to present ‘Swan Song’, a solo exhibition by our member, Dearbhail Connon. Her exhibition is presented in The Lord Mayor’s Pavilion, Fitzgerald’s Park, Cork from December 7th 2023 – January 13th 2024. Opening Reception, December 7th, 5-7pm. Artist-led tour, December 7th, 5.30pm.
A native Dubliner, Dearbhail has been living in Kinsale since 2008. She has a BA (Hons) in film production from DIT, an MA in Art Therapy from MTU Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork and has studied Fine Art on Sherkin Island. Her work is influenced by her lifelong interest in spirituality, folklore, nature and the climate crisis. She works from a home studio and has completed many residencies at Cill Rialaig, Ballinskelligs, the Burren School of Art and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. She has exhibited extensively throughout Ireland, particularly in West Cork in venues such as Uillinn West Cork Art Centre and The Warren Gallery. Her work is held in private collections and public collections such as Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Cork University Hospital and Cork County Council. Following solo exhibitions in St. Luke’s Crypt, Cork City in 2019 and in MTU Grand Parade Micro Gallery in 2021, this solo exhibitions presents over 30 new paintings.
Artist Statement: There is a mythical song sung by a swan during the final moments of its life. Having lived mostly in silence, this song is a summing up of its life experience, a clarion call approaching death. I see parallels between this myth and the current ecological and global crisis facing the planet today. This is a body of work, which began while on residency at Cill Railaig, bears witness to this global change, transition and transformation through the shapeshifting perspective of a swan.
‘Swan Song’ opens in The Lord Mayor’s Pavilion on December 7th from 5-7pm and continues until January 13th 2024. Open Daily: Tues-Sat, 11am-4pm and Sun 12-4pm. Christmas Closure: Dec 23-Jan 6 inclusive.