Flight
A participatory site-specific art project
Wexford Youthreach & Laura Ni Fhlaibhin

The Annexe Space, Wexford Arts Centre
25th - 27th October 2014

FLIGHT is an exhibition of multi-media artwork, produced by participants from Wexford Youthreach, during a project led by artist Laura Ni Fhlaibhin between June and September 2014. The exhibition is a result of the group’s on-site residency in Wexford Wildfowl Reserve and Raven’s Wood Park.  

While on location, the participants experimented with a range of art-making processes. Ideas around the theme of taking flight evolved over the course of the project. The environs of the Wildfowl Reserve and shore offered the participants a space for looking, responding and reflecting. In the observational posts of the bird hides, they drew, listened and made marks in ink and pen. On the shoreline, they flew kites and paper planes and captured their fleeting marks on film. 

These expressive sketches led to sustained drawings of wings in movement, characterised by bold gestural marks. Participants increased the scale of drawing to wall-sized work, drawing inspiration from youth subcultures around body art and music sampling. This formed the basis for a performative series of actions; as a group they sculpted over-sized wings, juxtaposing woodland materials with the fluorescence of rave. Wearing these wings, the participants moved to their music at the wildfowl reserve. This series of momentary performances was witnessed, documented and experienced by the participants.

FLIGHT showcases the creativity and dynamism of young art-makers based in Wexford. The project was funded and supported by Wexford County Council’s ‘Artist in the Community Scheme’, an Arts Department/Arts Council programme and Wexford Youthreach Services. 

All are welcome to attend the lunchtime launch of the exhibition, on Friday 24th October from 1-2 pm. The show will open on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October from 12-6pm, and on Monday 27th October from 12-5pm.

For further information on the exhibition please contact Catherine Bowe, Visual Art Manager of the Wexford Arts Centre on 053 9123764 or email catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie. 

Exhibition opening hours: 
Saturday 25th Oct: 12pm - 6pm / Sunday 26th Oct: 12pm - 6pm / Monday Oct 27th: 12pm - 5pm