Event
A-sy-lum is an exhibition at Newtownbarry house featuring mainly outsider art from Wexford Mental Health Services. Artworks in painting, sculpture, ceramic, drawing, photography and textile are on view. The work is created by service users and staff. The exhibition was officially launched on Wednesday 29 February by Dr Noel Sheppard, Executive Clinical Director Waterford/ Wexford Mental Health Services.
The show came about to mark the changes within the services at St Senan’s Hospital. It marks a passage in time as is documented in the photographic work. Also featured is a series of ceramic towers, which have taken their inspiration from the architecture of St Senan’s Hospital on the outskirts of Enniscorthy.
Masks taking the world of nature and the forest as a point of departure have culminated in works that are rich and sultry. Others are sparse and earthy. One artwork is richly covered in a series of spirals in relief with a lustre glaze. Above the face there is a house etched into a slab, echoing the artist paintings. From the paintings on view there are works which are vivid, painterly and naive, as well as abstract pieces and works that are more representational.
A-sy-lum has come about through Wexford County Council’s Arts Ability programme. This is run in partnership with the HSE. The exhibition is curated by Kathleen Delaney and Frances Murphy, both of whom work closely with many of the exhibitors.
A-sy-lum is on view at Newtownbarry House, Bunclody, until Friday 9 March. The exhibition is open to the public from 11am to 5pm daily. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. Admission is free. For further information, please contact Kathleen at 0863551733 or kathdcuratorart@gmail.com
