30 Jun 2012

"Apposite Extravaganza: Cheating Progress" - Volvo Ocean Race



Apposite Extravaganza: Cheating Progress
Part of the Volvo Ocean Race Galway

With work by: 126 Artist-Run Gallery, Nina Amazing, Aideen Barry, John Brady, Michelle Brown, Carol Anne Connolly, Roisin Coyle, Dorothy Cross, Benjamin de Burca, Economic Thought Projects, Simon Fleming, Ann Maria Healy, Martin Healy, John Herrick, Ken Lee, Maggie Madden, Louise Manifold, Fiona Murray, Angela O’Brien, Occupy Galway, Tadhg O'Cuirrin, Roisin O’Sullivan, Sheila Rennick, Amy Taylor, and Sarah Quick. Curated by Jim Ricks

Exchange House, Fairgreen Road, Galway (Adjacent to the Radisson and Revenue)
June 30 – July 8, 2012. Open daily 12 – 6 pm.

Opening Reception: June 29th, 6 pm with a performance by Economic Thought Projects.
As part of the Volvo Ocean Race Closing Stopover in Galway, Let's Do It Galway presents an exhibition of contemporary visual art just a short walk away from all the action in the Race Village and Global Village.  Occupying the first two floors of the Exchange House on Fairgreen Road, adjacent to the Radisson and to Revenue, the space is over 20,000 square feet. Uniquely, it will feature over 25 artists from, or living in Galway and is curated byJim Ricks (US).

Typical of contemporary practice, the show features a diverse range of works ranging from the recreation of a local sitting room, a tornado like sculpture of miniature houses, a shark’s heart, as well as photography, sculpture, painting and video.  It has an equally diverse range of artists, as it features recent graduates and emerging artists to those of national and international significance.  Together in this exhibition they form an exciting component of the Volvo Ocean Race events in Galway and draws particular attention to a sometimes overlooked, yet extraordinarily dynamic part of Galway’s rich cultural life: visual artists.
  
Although always open to interpretation, the themes in Apposite Extravaganza: Cheating Progress reflect the broad set of interests of the artists.  Many take an insightful, careful and often humourous look at the important issues of our time.  Many of the works deal with issues that relate directly to Galway and Ireland, others to larger global concerns.  Others seek to deconstruct the sometimes impenetrable world of art museums and institutions. 

The empty space on Fairgreen Street has been reworked and modified especially for this exhibition and has been kindly provided by property owner John Hughes. The curator has chosen to highlight an interesting cross section of local intellectual talent.  The varied practices of these artists have been woven together in a way that is provocative and engaging for the general public.  Along with the unique treatment of the venue and the diversity of those involved,  strands within the exhibition include research and showing works in development as well as the inclusion of individuals, organisations and communities normally in the supporting role or on the margins of  Galway’s cultural sphere.  It promises to be a visually stimulating and energising exhibition.

This exhibition was made possible by the kind support of Galway City Council.  
Special thanks to: Galway City Council, John Hughes, Lets' Do It Galway, Lisa Hallinan, Jim Ricks, Aisling Riannon, Michael Connolly, Michael Mee, Niall de Buitlear, Temple Bar Gallery & Studios, Royal Hibernian Academy, Visual Artists Ireland, Alan Butler and Kai Cafe + Restaurant without whom this project wouldn’t be possible.