The Arthouse Gallery Stradbally will host a new exhibition of work by Cóilín Rush
The Arthouse Gallery Stradbally will host a new exhibition of work presented by Cóilín Rush, Artist in Residence 2012/2013 at the Arthouse Stradbally titled “Works and Interactions” to open on Thursday 30th May at 6pm. This exhibition is the culmination of a 12 month residency by Cóilín who received the NCAD Graduate Bursary Award 2012/2013 funded through the Per Cent for Art Scheme. This was the second NCAD Bursary awarded by Laois County Council. The exhibition includes collaborative works from Cultúrbug, a community art group formed during the previous residency at the Arthouse, Stradbally, Co Laois with Artist Vera McEvoy, the first recipient of the NCAD Bursary. The Arthouse is delighted to welcome Vera McEvoy back to the Arthouse to officially launch the exhibition.
During his residency, Cóilín worked with a range of different groups. He conducted twice weekly classes from his Studio in the Arthouse for adults wishing to explore sculpture and painting. The participants also did some field trips visiting the Visual in Carlow and going on site making art.
Cóilín devoted considerable time to the Stradbally Youth Theatre, filming their work and creating a film for them which was used as a backdrop in a recent production “DNA”, Which was performed recently at the Dunamaise Arts Centre. He also ran Open Studio Visits, Talks and Workshops and participated in National Drawing Day and Culture Night at the Arthouse.
Speaking about his time at the Arthouse Cóilín says “I’m very pleased to announce the exhibition of works and documented interactions that have constituted my Residence at the Arthouse in Stradbally over the course of this last year. I have worked with three groups at various times and been thoroughly engaged by the activities we have undertaken. My principal focus has been in working weekly with members of the local community in all aspects of Art and in the construction of a final sculptural piece that has explained itself to me in a series of gradual coincidences. This piece requires quite an explanation and the story of its manifestation will form the primary part of my residential experience.
I have also worked with an oil painting group weekly and have been so impressed with the progress that they have made in their own works that I have elected to include some amongst the exhibitions other artistic formats such as the video work I’ve been involved in with Stradbally Youth Theatre who I am delighted to say proved to be most accommodating in facilitating me. The short works and exercises we engaged in have improved my understanding of the medium immensely. This exhibition will be something of a document of my experience through the different engagements I have made and should speak of my process amongst vastly different media”
Muireann Ni Chonaill, Arts Officer who manages the Arthouse in Stradbally, said of Cóilín Rush’s residency, “as an artist, Cóilín gave very generously of his time to the groups and individuals who worked with him. His skills as a communicator and co-ordinator are very impressive. Regardless of age and interest, Cóilín seamlessly engaged at a very high level with those engaging with him and gifted his knowledge and time abundantly.”
Cóilín Rush is an Artist who works in visual mediums including painting, photography and video. He has lived and worked in Dublin since graduating with a BA in Fine Art paint from NCAD in 1999. In 2009 he completed an MA in digital media and broadened his practice to include video work.
“Works and Interactions” opens Thursday 30th May and runs until Friday 28th June at the Arthouse, Stradbally, Co. Laois. Exhibition opening hours: Tuesday – Friday, 1 – 4.30 p.m. or by appointment by contacting Vernon on 057 86641740 or email: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie.
The Arts Office acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council in making the Arts Programme possible.