Small World by Ciara O'Hara in the Ballina Arts Center
There is still time to go and take a look at Ciara's show at he Ballina Arts Center.
Artist Statement below:
Using photographs from my travel as a starting point, this work wishes to explore the relationship between a travel snapshot, our associations with that place, and how we can relate to it as passers through. The works in this exhibition are inspired by a trip to Japan.
These landscapes are unique and serve as a natural identity. My work attempts to capture this identity, while acknowledging that we all perceive these scenes through the lens of our own personal experiences. While inspiration for this work comes from the real world around us, I wish to evoke a sense of otherworldliness, since perception can change our interpretation of reality. There maybe something hidden, missed or overlooked in the landscape.
Lockdown, the pandemic and a period of personal illness means, for me, the easiness of travel has been changed immensely. The artwork contains hidden elements which become visible after time spent observing them. Some details may be noticed, while others remain hidden, mirroring how we all perceive the world around us. It highlights how things can be in plain sight, but are still overlooked. Especially in a time when our attention is shaped by fast-moving visuals and short internet clips, limiting our ability to truly observe. This reflects my experience of having a chronic illness which can be described as a hidden disability.
Some of the works depict lone animals, appearing engrossed in their particular activity. Isolated, yet confident, they are at ease within their home environment. This contrasts with my experiences while exploring these new places, creating tension which provokes inquisitiveness on behalf of the viewer.
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