Accompanied by song and a dance saw the official opening of the ‘A Survey of the Landscape’ exhibition at the Waterford Gallery of Art by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary.
In his speech, the Mayor gave an impassioned speech for arts in the county and honoured those that have recently donated artworks to the Waterford Art Collection. Mayor O’Leary noted, “Artworks such as these show how important Waterford is as a centre for the arts and creativity both historically, though perhaps more importantly, in the present moment.
“There is no surprise that an exhibition of landscapes featuring Waterford and Ireland should generate such interest. This is a county, an indeed a country, that in many ways is identified and beloved due to its magnificent landscape and scenery.”
Present on the evening was Dr Abdul Bulbulia who, as Council Member of the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland, recently assisted in the donation of the painting ‘The Coulin’ by Robert Burke (1949). Edwina Foyle and Martina O’Byrne of Artform Dunmore East were thanked for the donation of artwork ‘Parchment Tree 5’ (2018) by Michael Wann. There was also a special thanks for Joan and Roger Johnson who presented to the gallery a fascinating map of Waterford City from 1948, also created by artist Robert Burke.
Performing on the night were ‘broken-folk’ duo Lunatraktors who have recently relocated to Stradbally. Dressed in larger-than-life jester like costumes made from reclaimed hazard tape they performed a series of land-themed protest songs and dances whilst processioning around the building.
Music was also provided courtesy of Harry O’Neill of Waterford’s Luca record and skate shop, who was resident DJ for the evening.
Also present on the night were Cllr. Joe Conway and Cllr. Eammon Quinlan, Dr Peter Jordan, Arts Officer Conor Nolan and artists Darragh Lyons, Clare Scott, Rhys Wallace and Vic Dunphy. Artists Paula Barrett and Carmel Cleary also received special recognition for their newly commissioned artworks which feature in the display.
‘A Survey of the Landscape’, curated by Luke Currall, Visual Arts Co-Ordinator Waterford City and County Council, features over sixty artworks from the Waterford Collection of Art.
The exhibition, which is free for all, runs until November the 4th (Wed-Sat 10:00-17:00) and will include a series of workshops, talks and events.
