Artist Cathy Whelan pictured with Laois Arts Officer, Muireann Ní Chonaill and Ricky Whelan, who performed the official opening in the Laois Arthouse in Stradbally. (Photos by Michael Scully)
There was a great buzz of excitement, anticipation and energy at the official opening of a new exhibition in the Laois Arthouse Gallery in Stradbally.
This latest body of work by ceramic artist Cathy Whelan caused quite a stir and drew a full house attendance to the venue on opening night.
And the good news is that the exhibition entitled, ‘Losing Ground’ runs for three more weeks, so there is still plenty of opportunity to pop in and check it out for yourself.
There are fourteen pieces in all on display, very accessibly priced ranging from €30 up to €330, all based on a wildlife theme, featuring a diversity of biodiversity from dragon flies to hares, foxes and badgers.
My own favourite piece and one that amused many at the opening of the show, is the intricate, ‘Beecoming’.
It is a beguiling, delicate piece; a mobile of bees, which once you explore it up close, reveals that the tiny creatures are wearing gas masks.
It cleverly cast an interesting shadow too, but unfortunately it is the one item on exhibit which is not for sale.
However, the other delightful pieces are available, are very fairly priced and Cathy Whelan’s quirky take on wildlife all make for an intriguing addition and certain talking point for anyone interested in art or nature.
Laois Arts Officer, Muireann Ní Chonaill explained how they were delighted to invite Cathy Whelan back to host her own solo show after she had been part of a group exhibition last year, such was the profound reaction to her work.
Cathy’s work explores evolving ideas about the environment and highlights the intersection between humanity and nature.
Bridie Mc Dermott, Padraig Dunne and Una Mc Cabe, at the opening of Cathy Whelan’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
Her exhibition serves to question the impact of human activity and the pressures we exert upon the natural world through a modern culture of excess.
“We place huge demands on our environment. As well as celebrating the beauty of Irish wildlife, it is my hope that this exhibition will encourage visitors to consider our relationship with the natural world and seek a sustainable and natural approach to consumption,” said Cathy.
Artist Cathy Whelan at the opening of at the opening of her Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee. thy Whelan’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
It was highly appropriate therefore that the official launch of the exhibition was by conservationist, Ricky Whelan, of the Irish Wildlife Trust and BirdWatch Ireland. Conservation of habitats, the protection of endangered species and the natural landscape, that’s his terrain.
He gave an evocative and enlightening speech which was a perfect accompaniment to the works on display.
Ricky Whelan ( Wildlife Conservationist), Artist, Cathy Whelan and Muireann Ni Chonaill ( Laois Arts Officer ) at the opening of Cathy Whelan’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
He did address the significant challenges facing many indigenous animals, as well as the serious and worrying rate of decline among many of our 98 native bee species.
But he was hopeful too that growing public awareness and the influence of those like Cathy Whelan in engaging and educating people could yield positive results and changes in our behaviour and sometimes our outright brutality towards wildlife.
Artist, Cathy Whelan, Ricky Whelan ( Wildlife Conservationist) and John Whelan , Journalist , at the opening of Cathy’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
He said that the science showed that nature is resourceful and resilient and can rebound and repair itself if given half a chance.
Cathy Whelan will present a talk on her exhibition this Wednesday, September 25 at the Arthouse at 7.30pm. Admission is free.
Doireann and Gerard Delaney and Padraig Dunne, at the opening of Cathy Whelan’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
Schools can also visit the exhibition free of charge, but booking is necessary via artsoffice@laoiscoco.ie or by calling 057 86 64033/13.
The opening times are Tuesday and Thursday 1-5pm and 5.30-8pm; Saturday, 10am-1pm; Wednesday and Friday, 1-4pm.
Trisha O’Rourke and Bridie Keenan ( Laois Arts Office ), Artist – Cathy Whe4lan and Michael Rainey ( Laois Co Council ), at the opening of Cathy Whelan’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Sean Rainey at the opening of Cathy Whelan’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Laura Moran and Sharon O’Rourke, at the opening of Cathy Whelan’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
Muireann Ni Chonaill ( Laois Arts Officer ) speaking at the opening of Cathy Whelan’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Ricky Whelan ( Wildlife Conservationist) speaking at the opening of Cathy Whelan’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Ricky Whelan ( Wildlife Conservationist) speaking at the opening of Cathy Whelan’s Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Muireann Ni Chonaill ( Laois Arts Officer ) and Cathy Whelan (Artist) speaking at her Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Breda and Dr. Ravi Kambamettu , at the Cathy Whelan Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Maria Mc Garry, Pauline Conroy and Monica O’Meara , at the Cathy Whelan Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Cathy Whelan (Artist) and Maggie H Whelan , at the Cathy Whelan Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Geraldine Barr, Celine Daly,Pearse and Angela Dunne , at the Cathy Whelan Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Cathy Whelan (Artist), Jen Donnery, Maggie H. Whelan and Ciaran Dunne , at the Cathy Whelan Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Catherine Whelan, Lisa Pender and Lillie Whelan, at the Cathy Whelan Exhibition – ” Losing Ground ” in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
