126 @ the RHA, Nevan Lahart + Ailbhe Ní Bhriain
126 held their annual member's show this year titled Video Killed the Radio Star, at the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin. A little different this year was the fact that it was themed and juried. Challenging members to address the themes of paradigm shifts, and changes in culture, science + society. The exhibit was a solid reflection of the strength and quality of art being produced by those that make up the 126 membership. I was unable to get any usable photos of the show, but Shower of Kunst has a great photo review of the exhibit.
Also at the RHA is Nevan Lahart's A Lively Start to a Dead End. One can always expect an off-the-wall show from Lahart and this one doesnt dissapoint. Although I would say that the show does struggle a bit in the massive space. Check out more of Lahart's great work here.
On a final note saw a great show that runs till the 27th of this month. Ailbhe Ní Bhriain has taken over the Galway Arts Centre with numerous videos and photographs.
Bhriain creates beautifully complex and detailed video work. Her pieces are dreamy, quiet landscapes punctuated with familiar Irish iconography. The mood of the works is often sentimental and nostalgic. In a few, one will find the placement of theatre or cinema chairs in the videos, I found myself asking if these are implying an awareness of the cliche, the displayed marketability, the common commercial appeal of these Irish-isms? Engaging work.