Exhibition by disabled artists to explore Irish identity

A collection of works created by 16 disabled artists will showcase at Cork County Council’s LHQ Gallery next month.

The exhibition, entitled This is Ireland, explores how identity is shaped through storytelling, popular culture, local landscape, and shared rituals.

Among the depictions of Irish culture included in the collection are members of Kneecap enjoying a pint, a pair of mummers wearing straw head-pieces, and familiar street scenes reflecting threads of connection and belonging.

The exhibition aims to offer a fresh perspective on what defines Irish culture, created by 16 disabled artists from Crawford Supported Studios.

Featured artists include Íde Ní Shúilleabháin, who has exhibited in Kilkenny, Columbia and New York; Yvonne Condon, whose artwork was exhibited on a billboard in Temple Bar; and Tom O’Sullivan, who was awarded the inaugural Visibility Bursary Award from Cork City Council and the Arts Council; along with Judit Bakos, Ailbhe Barrett, Angela Burchill, David Connolly, Bríd Heffernan, Eoin O’Brion, John Keating, Mary Rose Marshall, Rosaleen Moore, Nicola Moran, Stephen Murray, Marie Sexton, and Katie Whelan.

Mayor of Co Cork councillor Mary Linehan Foley described the exhibition as featuring "playful, unapologetic, and brave” pieces of work.

“We are delighted to present this exhibition at Cork County Council’s dedicated exhibition space LHQ Gallery,” said Ms Linehan Foley.

“We recognise the importance of the work that Crawford Supported Studios does for these artists and we celebrate an opportunity to bring their work to new audiences.

“This is Ireland presents playful, unapologetic, and brave work that we encourage all to see.” 

An opening reception for the exhibition will be held at the LHQ Gallery on March 6 from 1pm, with members of the public encouraged to attend as a range of events will take place throughout the day as part of the Lifelong Learning Festival.

The exhibition will remain open from March 6 until April 24, with the LHQ Gallery offering visitors the chance to enjoy it Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm, except for public holidays.