'Tour de force’ making pit stop in Leitrim for special performance

'Tour de force’ is a national tour of Ireland by visual artist Liliane Puthod and writer Ingrid Lyons.

At the wheel of Liliane’s late father’s Renault 4, ‘Tour de force’ is a celebration of culture and creativity in the format of a mapped adventure — engaging with artists, musicians, mechanics, farmers, archaeologists, craftspeople, academics and aficionados over a series of pit stops across Ireland.

For the Leitrim pit stop, both artists have partnered with The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon and Drumsna native Edwina Guckian for a collaborative performance, entitled ‘Completely Knocked Down’ on Saturday, August 2nd from 2—4 p.m..

Completely Knocked Down refers to an industrial loophole during a period of high import taxes in Ireland where breaking cars apart and transporting them to Ireland in flat packs to be reassembled provided a solution in making cars more readily available. In a contemporary art context, it’s a model to consider the fragmentation and restructuring of physical and mechanical processes and practices. Objects collected during the journey serve as markers for the stories and experiences encountered along the way. 

At the halfway point of the six-week Tour de Force, the Renault 4 gets a much-needed wash. The simple act of unpacking and cleaning the car becomes a moment of reflection and emotional release for the journey.

The collaborative performance at The Dock takes place with special guest Edwina Guckian — through installation, storytelling, and music.

Tickets are free and are available on The Dock’s website, www.thedock.ie.