'More Diverse than Universal' Exhibition Statement

Statement in response to article in Wexford People Newspaper Wednesday 8th August 2012


Since 2011, Wexford Arts Centre in partnership with IT Carlow Wexford Campus has hosted the annual B.A (Hons) Art Students from Wexford Campus, IT Carlow exhibition supporting emerging contemporary artists within the community. Each year the exhibition features final-year work in a wide variety of media.  The exhibition celebrates the accomplishments of over 20 graduating
students and showcases a diversity of work; the culmination of each student’s investigation into both the practice and theory of their subject.

This year’s exhibition titled ‘More Diverse than Universal’ which was in situ at Wexford Arts Centre between the dates 21May 2012 - 09 June 2012  took a varied and dynamic approach to contemporary society and culture.  The students’ unique and personal practices explored current and complex issues through drawing, video, photography, performance, painting installation
and text. Subjects included identity formation, the natural environment and the use of urban spaces.  Much of the work questioned the pervasive influence of mass media on everyday life including aspects of Ireland’s darker recent history while a film documenting the student’s involvement with the South End Family Resource Centre reflected the strong links between the Wexford Campus IT Carlow and the wider local community. 

While Wexford Arts Centre would not have input with regards to the choice of subject matter of the students work which would be monitored by college tutors, consideration was given to the display of this work with regards to the sensitivity of the subject matter. 
Peter Kelly’s body of works, which were part of a group show, included three large oil on canvas paintings based on photo images of himself as a young boy as well as an image of Fr. Sean Fortune.   A large scale narrative was displayed alongside this work which outlined Peter’s traumatic experiences as a young boy growing up in Wexford doing his best to avoid appointments with Fr. Fortune and of his reflection on his potential escape from abuse that unfortunately other boys of his own age did not
escape.  The paintings reflected expression of his personal experience and guilt and the need to record this traumatic part of history. 

The exhibition was opened by leading Irish artist Brian Maguire who noted this was a very strong exhibition of work by emerging artists within the community.  Positive comments were noted in our visitors book and the exhibition was also favorably reviewed in local press with particular reference to Peter Kelly’s work being compelling and brave.  Wexford Arts Centre did not receive any official complaints during the three week run of the exhibition and we do take into consideration all feedback made directly to us on our programme for ongoing enhancement.  In relation to recent comments made in a recent article in the Wexford People, the arts centre regrets and apologizes for any offence that may have
been caused by the viewing of this body of work within the group
exhibition.