The term Unknown Knowns which constitutes the title of this exhibition, is the description used by the Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek when he refers to the “unconscious beliefs and prejudices that determine how we perceive reality and intervene in it.” Things we know, but don’t know we know, dictate how we address situations we encounter. Obviously it is impossible to know what the unknown known is because if we did it would become the known known, but the work in this exhibition addresses the theme of unconscious knowledge. 

The three artists have explored and represented specific elements of this through their work. Shown through a diverse range of works, from the manipulation of materials that we know on some level are familiar to us, to the investigation into the possibility of another self and how this can determine our lives, to the idea of the second life and the attempt to survive for eternity, all three artists’ work delve into certain aspects of the unknown known.

With his latest work in the on-going series inspired by the Egyptian Book of the Dead, Andrew Carson explores notions of “online realities and virtual immortality”. This series derives from a particular chapter of the book which was written as a guide on how to survive the afterlife. It was written in order to prevent the deceased from “dying a second time”. The work draws parallels between contemporary social media interaction and ancient concepts of the soul; an idea which many people trust is known to them, yet, it is something which remains ephemeral and unknown.

Through her current work Sally-Anne Kelly is “exploring ideas about who we are, who we think we are, who we become, who others think we are, and who we present ourselves as being.” Her new series of photographs ‘The Hunted Self’ examines what we do not or cannot know about the self. She investigates the internal power struggle of the hidden and unknown self or double and how that can be realised as another or separate identity.

Lisa Shaughnessy’s practice is concerned with the physicality of the materials used and alludes to the processes used by the artist. The work presents ideas of construction and deconstruction. There is a blurring between the boundaries of painting and sculpture and what the viewer felt they knew about these materials becomes a little less certain but the fundamental qualities of the materials are still apparent. These known and familiar materials have been manipulated in such a way as to render them initially unknown.

The examination of this unknown known, equated by Žižek to the Freudian unconscious which recognises the importance of the unconscious in comprehending conscious thought and behaviour, creates a platform for this exhibition to reflect on the convictions of our knowledge and to propose that it is not vital for our existence to know that we have all the answers …

Fingal Arts Office is delighted to showcase recent local art college graduates with its annual exhibition opportunity Amharc Fhine Gall. The show seeks to increase the profile of emerging Fingal artists by giving them the chance to show in a professional, contemporary art space. It may be their first major show but with the professional presentation of their work and accompanying catalogue we hope it is the first of many. The opportunity also extends to the emerging curator who will work with the graduate(s) to create a suitable context to show this work to a wider local and contemporary art audience.

Curated by Ailve McCormack

Read Andrew Carson's Blog Interview here

Read Sally-Anne Kelly's Blog Interview here

Read Lisa Shaughnessy's Blog Interview here

“This body of work has been inspired by my ongoing exploration of physical, psychological and poetic space. I am interested in the delicate point where man and the natural world co-exist or in some cases collide. I strive to create places for poetic possibility, a space where time can be suspended, I extend to the onlooker a glimpse of intricate private worlds. Each narrative creates a dialogue between these internal and external conflicting worlds, thus providing a place to dream.” Caroline Donohue

Caroline Donohue (b1977) graduated in 2005 with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Fine Art Printmaking at the National College of Art and Design. That same year she was the recipient of the RDS Freyer Print Award and winner of the Graphic Studio Dublin's Graduate Student Award where she is currently a member. Donohue's work has been exhibited in Ireland and internationally. Recent exhibitions include - 'Where Boarders Meet' at the Graphic Studio Gallery, Dublin (2010), 'On Reflection', curated by Caroline Cowley/Cleo Fagan, Dublin (2007), 'Precaution' at IMMA, Dublin (2005), 'Triennale de Chamalières' in Lyon, France (2010) and 'Artist in Response' in Muzuem Drowy, Gorlice, Poland (2008-2010). Her work is included in public collections such as AXA Insurance Ireland, the Office of Public Works and Fingal County Council. She works mainly in the medium of etching, as well as drawing and assemblage.

During January and February 2012, Draíocht can facilitate Free Gallery Tours of its two exciting exhibitions, Amharc Fhine Gall VIII - Unknown Knows and Selected Works to Date by Caroline Donohue. These exhibitions use very different materials, themes and processes.

If you would like your class to have a facilitated visit of these two exhibitions to explore what students think about the work, please contact Sarah on 01-8098029 to arrange a short tour. Tours are free, but are subject to availability. Class numbers are restricted 25 students with accompanying teacher.

Draíocht’s Artist in Residence Deirdre Byrne will lead this course looking at examples of different drawing styles used by a variety of artists. This course will explore mark making and tone, amongst other elements of drawing, and will have a focus on landscapes. Students will work towards creating their own finished pieces.

PLEASE NOTE: No class on Monday 19^th March

Book now through Draíocht’s Box Office on 01-8852622. For more info email emer@draiocht.ie

Draíocht has a number of Access Places available on all its courses. If you would like to nominate someone to participate who may not have the fee, please contact Emer McGowan on 01-8098027 or email emer@draiocht.ie in confidence. Draíocht is committed, within its resources, to access to the arts for all.

Focusing on still life, artist Allyson Keehan will lead this class in exploring oil painting techniques. Composition, observation, perspective and colour theory will all be taught as students develop an understanding of oil painting and work with related mediums. Draíocht will provide initial materials and students will then be required to purchase materials of their own (a list will be provided). All levels are welcome and elements of this course could also be suitable to students preparing portfolios.

Book now through Draíocht’s Box Office on 01-8852622. For more info email emer@draiocht.ie

Draíocht has a number of Access Places available on all its courses. If you would like to nominate someone to participate who may not have the fee, please contact Emer McGowan on 01-8098027 or email emer@draiocht.ie in confidence. Draíocht is committed, within its resources, to access to the arts for all.

Using a combination of pen and ink, along with a mixture of mediums and textures, artist Genevieve Harden will guide and encourage students in experimenting and creating alternative self portraits.

Book now through Draíocht’s Box Office on 01-8852622. For more info email emer@draiocht.ie

Draíocht has a number of Access Places available on all its courses. If you would like to nominate someone to participate who may not have the fee, please contact Emer McGowan on 01-8098027 or email emer@draiocht.ie in confidence. Draíocht is committed, within its resources, to access to the arts for all.

Dave West was born in Penclawdd, South Wales and grew up in Swansea City. He graduated from the Carmarthenshire College of Art & Design and is now settled in Balbriggan, North County Dublin. This new body of work has been in progress for the past three years and has progressed to an investigation into the relationships between place, atmosphere, light and the moods or feelings they can evoke.

Dave has held nine solo shows to date including two with the Blue Leaf Gallery. He has exhibited with Eigse Arts Festival, the Royal Hibernian Academy, the Royal Ulster Academy, and in the U.K. with the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the New English Art Club. His work is featured in numerous private and public collections including the Office of Public Works, Texaco Corp. and BP. In 2007 Fingal County Council purchased a series of seven paintings for display in their newly refurbished Balbriggan Library. He is also currently studying towards a BA (hons) in the History of Art.

DAVE WEST IN CONVERSATION
Dave will discuss the exhibition and his art practice with Ian Fleming - artist, lecturer at University of Ulster, and Director of Creative Exchange Studios, on 10 March 2012 at 2.30pm. This is a free event and all are welcome.