Holdfast - Ann Ensor

Draíocht, in collaboration with Fingal County Council Arts Office, is delighted to announce a new commission from Ann Ensor for the 12th edition of Amharc Fhine Gall.

Holdfast is an immersive installation which explores the aesthetic properties and the environmental significance of kelp seaweed. Kelp has been around for millions of years and is hugely important in reducing and sinking carbon from the atmosphere to the sea floor bed. Kelp acts as a wave barrier and helps prevent coastal erosion. It shelters and feeds hundreds of marine entities in its holdfasts and fronds. Kelp is now coming under threat from excessive storm damage, pollution and mechanical cutting. This new commission continues to explore the aesthetic properties and the environmental significance of this natural material.

Holdfast is accompanied by an interactive project space designed by Orla Goodwin for children in Draíocht’s First Floor Gallery, a public engagement programme facilitated by Draíocht’s Artist Team and an artist's book, designed by Siobhan Griffin, Alphabet Soup. This is Draíocht’s first formal exhibition addressing climate change.