Event
The Model in Sligo presents Patience, an exhibition of new work by artist Andy Parsons. In 2019, Parsons was commissioned to be The Model’s inaugural Artist in Residence at Sligo University Hospital, where he engaged staff, patients and families in creative activities and conversations.
Parsons particularly focused on working in the Renal Ward where patients undergoing dialysis explored their creativity through experiments in painting and drawing.
Alongside this work, the artist developed a body of drawings, paintings and sculptures that trace the many stories at the heart of hospital life. The residency was supported by The Model, Creative Ireland Sligo, and the Arts Council.
The Renal Ward was chosen as patients there have to attend regularly and for long periods. Alongside the physical challenges the patients have to contend with boredom and extending an invitation to try an connect with creative activities seemed a logical approach.
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The first few weeks of the residency were spent building a rapport and finding ways round the restrictions of the environment. The patients have been exploring areas such as mark making and colour mixing and enjoying developing new skills.
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With the closure of the hospital to visitors and non essential staff [in 2020], I had to adapt my approach and started to explore the idea of using my drawings as starting points for sculptures in plaster, and for giant paintings.
– Andy Parsons
Patience is running at The Model until 23 December.
For further information visit the project website: patience.ie
