Independent research-based visual artist attending to complex environmental issues iterated through a range of site-specific and socially engaged contexts. Conceptually and physically pursued through the subject of the seed and the agency of plant matter mediated and assembled through a range of material processes and seasonal actions. Here seeds are defined not as a thing, but as a set of social relations that must be continually cultivated to survive, grow, adapt and evolve. She digs, draws, plants, collects, mulches, narrates and ‘care’ for ‘other’ beings in ‘other’ spaces in response to our anthropogenic times. Variable and multimodal processes that parallel the labouring activities of the ‘gardener’. Through this eclectic and microscopic lens the entangled narratives and often antagonistic relationship between human and non-human species are made manifest across multiple forms. The evolving projects, public engagements, publications and exhibitions are meticulously researched, pursue a narrative structure based on an assemblage of key research material, sites of interest and social integration. This generative approach attempts to activate new ideas related to site, agency and ecology.
Christine Mackey
Completed the first iteration of ‘The Long Field’ (2021) at The Leitrim Sculpture Centre awarded through their Solo Residency Exhibition programme. Held Solo exhibition 'Safe Hold' at the Wexford Arts Centre, which also involved a socially engaged public art and educational project through Wexford County Council (2020). Developed new work for Two person Show/Residency 'SHUL' at Tipperary Arts Centre and participated on the Woods Research Residency at INTERFACE, Galway (2021). Recent awards include the Agility Award Round 3. and bursary from Leitrim County Council Arts Awards (2021). Invited to exhibit CITY Highlands Gallery Drogheda’s Municipal Art Gallery (2021). Alumni Fulbright Research Scholar (2018) and graduate of the University of Ulster with a practice-based PhD (2012). Published new work in PVA Journal Vol. 13. Residencies for 2022 include, EcoShowBoat, Cill Rialaig and Cow House Studios, Wexford. On-going projects include ‘The Potting Shed’ (2013 -) ArtLink, Donegal, which opened up a new social space and garden inside a defunct military environment; addressing pressing environmental issues in relation to the geopolitical control of seeds was made evident in ‘Seed Matter’ (2010-) devised as a series of exhibitions and a publication, with future works currently in development.
Curated by Sean O'Reilly