SHED – An exhibition of new work by Bridge Street Studios

Bridge Street Studios is thrilled to present their latest visual art exhibition, ‘Shed,’ hosted at the prestigious Basement Gallery, An Táin Arts Centre. The exhibition will run from February 22nd to March 30th, 2024, with opening hours on Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. The Opening Launch is set to take place on Wednesday, February 21st, and the artists are delighted to welcome Sinead Murphy, Dundalk-based film producer/director, to launch the show officially.

Nestled in a historic 250-year-old grain store, Bridge Street Studios is a testament to Dundalk’s thriving creativity. As one of Ireland’s oldest and largest independent artistic collectives, the Studios have been an integral part of the town’s creative fabric since their formation in 1996.

The ‘Shed’ exhibition features the works of nine dynamic professional artists and craftspeople who are all based in Bridge Street Studios, including Orlaith Cullinane, Rachel Tinniswood, Mary Cowan, Cathy McKeown, Suzanne Carroll, Caoilfionn Murphy O’Hanlon, Orla Barry, Sarah McKenna, and Fiona Quigley. Their collective expertise spans various mediums, including paintings, sculpture, prints, ceramics, textiles, and mixed media.

The artists have masterfully explored the theme of “shed” with rich imagery, allusion, and symbolism, crafting responses and connections on personal, local, and universal levels. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the theme, creating a diverse and thought-provoking exhibition.

Highlighted Works from ‘Shed’:

Orla Barry presents a series of hinged triptychs, offering homages to nature that shed light on its wonder and beauty.

Through sculpture and drawing, Orlaith Cullinane explores the shedding of light and clarifying, delving into the psyche’s shadow side.

Rachel Tinniswood manipulates fabric and silk, creating pieces with a skin-like quality that centres around layers and renewal.

Sarah McKenna’s sculptures delve into the layers of stories that shape our identity, exploring the desire to shed certain layers while acknowledging their integral role.

Inspired by the concept of shedding inhibitions, Fiona Quigley captures nature’s beauty in mixed media pieces, including acrylic, oil, machine embroidery, and handmade papers.

Following the exhibition in Dundalk, ‘Shed’ will embark on a journey to Armagh Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, where it will be on display from May 17th to July 6th, 2024.

Visual artist Orlaith Cullinane from Bridge Street Studios has commented, “I am thrilled to be part of ‘Shed,’ an exhibition that goes beyond individual perspectives, uniting the diverse talents of Bridge Street Studios. Through our collective exploration of the theme, we shed light on the beauty, renewal, and layers of stories that define our artistic journey. We can’t wait to invite visitors to the Basement Gallery, allowing them to explore this collection of artwork that truly reflects our members’ diverse and vibrant creativity.”