A Corporate Republic is a theoretical form of government occasionally hypothesized in works of science fiction. It is run like a business, involving a board of directors and executives, state utilities including hospitals, schools, army and the police force would be privatised. Similar to any capitalist society the Corporate Republic objectives for its citizens are profit, materialism and success. Although largely fictitious in the modern world the Corporate Republic is often used as a warning of perceived dangers; of unbridled capitalism in which a country’s government and its citizens become consumed by wealth, status and progress.
Daniel Chester is a visual artist living and working in County Leitrim. He has recently completed a Master in Visual Arts Practices in IADT, Dublin. His practice involves drawings, painting and photography and has recently exhibited in the shows; “White noise”, Studio Six, Temple Bar Galleries' and “Public Gesture” at The Lab exhibition space, Dublin. Chester’s practice investigates issues that look at contemporary Ireland within the framework of social, political and economic conditions. Through the use of drawings, painting, video and photography Chester aims to encourage the viewer to participate in an open dialogue that questions the values of capitalism and progress. Chester’s recent work explores the effects that the present economic recession has had on the urban and rural landscape and the local and global economy. His key areas of research explore the decline of the manufacturing and digital industries and particularly the direct effect this has had in the business property market. Throughout the last few years towns such as Sligo, Galway, Cork and Limerick have been given Gateway city status, creating a wealth and frenzy of business development projects for proposed financial projects. At present many of these towns are now left with a high number of empty office, business apartments, retail and factory spaces that now remain idle, awaiting a change in climate. The form and elements of my artwork, as well as its methods and processes, underlie an inherent subtext that suggests a history of memory as defined through the concepts and actualities of both current and historic events. Chester 2009
Ross Cochrane is an artist living and working in county Cavan. Graduating from Sligo Institute and the University of Wales with a BA, PgDip and MA in Fine Art respectively. His practice is largely developed through the medium of drawing. As well as maintaining his practice he is involved in curation and works in education. Cochrane’s practice is concerned with human experience and the real consequences of local society, affected by and adapting to contemporary economic challenges. It examines uncertainty as a permanent characteristic of economics in Ireland, evident in it’s relationship to past and current recessions. Mediated through drawing, photography and print, Cochranes work examines landmarks of cultural and historical significance driven by the consequence of economic turmoil. The artist explores these ‘displays’ of social insecurity and ambiguity within Irish society whilst at the same time offering elements of hope and new beginnings. As unemployment rises and household budgets shrink, social and economic issues can manifest themselves through social ills, violence and social neglect; past issues resurface and exist anew within the current climate. Society yearns for change both politically and emotionally and calls for an upheaval of Irish culture at large. Cochrane 09’
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