'Timelines: Growth and Catastrophe' exhibition unveiled in Roscommon Arts Centre
Pictured at the exhibition of the collaborative tapestry at the Roscommon Arts Centre were Tish Canniffe, Heather Underwood, Lorna Donlon, Terry Dunne, Frances Crowe, Catherine Ryan, Pascale De Coninck and Muriel Beckett. Pic. Brian Farrell
The much-anticipated fibre art exhibition, ‘Timelines: Growth and Catastrophe’, which launched as part of the Culture Night celebrations at Roscommon Arts Centre, is a must see.
This captivating exhibition, featuring the work of the renowned Roscommon-based weaver Frances Crowe, showcases the third collaborative work from the Timelines Tapestry Group—a talented collective of weavers and tapestry artists. The exhibition will run until October 24th before embarking on a national tour through the five local authority areas that have supported the project. Each venue will also host community engagement opportunities with the artists to further bolster the impact that this piece will have on a national level.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is a breath-taking five-meter by one-meter handwoven tapestry, created collaboratively by eight distinguished artists- Muriel Beckett, Tish Canniffe, Frances Crowe, Pascale De Coninck, Lorna Donlon, Terry Dunne, Catherine Ryan, and Heather Underwood.
In addition to the large-scale tapestry, the exhibition features individual works by each of the artists, offering a deeper exploration of their personal artistic expressions.
Inspired by the delicate balance of opposing forces in life, Growth and Catastrophe reflects the profound experiences we have all encountered over recent years.
The artists weave a narrative that juxtaposes the renewal and resilience of nature with the devastation of war and the darkness of the global pandemic.
The tapestry serves as a metaphor for the tension between growth, renewal, and catastrophe, capturing the beauty and fragility of life. As nature regenerates in the aftermath of destruction and provides solace during lockdowns, the artists have infused hope into the intricate fibres of their work.
The creation of this monumental tapestry has been a journey of collaboration and dedication. The group began designing the project in Lorna Donlon’s UCD studio, drawing inspiration from plant science imagery and natural dyes. The weaving process itself took place in Terry Dunne’s home studio in Wexford, where the artists worked together in small groups over several months, fostering a sense of community and shared vision.
Supported by Creative Ireland Programmes of Roscommon County Council, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Laois County Council, and Wexford County Council, this exhibition is a testament to the power of creative collaboration. Each artist brings their unique expertise and personal history to the collective project.
The public are invited to experience this extraordinary exhibition at Roscommon Arts Centre, where the intricate tapestries tell stories of growth, resilience, and hope in the face of catastrophe.
