This exhibition of multimedia work delves into the multifaceted identities of ten Galway artists with intellectual disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities are often marginalised in society, they can go unseen and their voices unheard. Identity aims to challenge preconceived notions of people with intellectual disabilities, dismantle stereotypes and reshape the way the world sees them by showcasing their perspectives and lives, while amplifying their voices.
This intimate, moving and thought-provoking thirty minute experience consists of digital art pieces entitled Portraits of our Lives and Projections of an Artist. Also included are ten digital art prints created by the artists with additional interactive tactile graphics art prints for any audience members with visual impairments.
Portraits of our Lives uses animation, video, and voice over to delve into the talents, interests, and dreams of the ten artists. Each digital portrait aims to celebrate the richness of their individuality and platform their diverse identities.
Projections of an Artist is a multimedia digital art film consisting of ten individual digital art pieces that reflect something important in the artists’ lives. Their artwork is projected back onto the artists as they move, dance and connect with their artwork.
The audience will have an opportunity to immerse themselves within the projections that the artists have created.
The works were created by ten artists from Arts Alive Galway, in collaboration with artists Jane Cassidy, Laura O’Connell, Gary Walshe and Alison McDonnell-White.
The exhibition was inviting, playful and relaxing and left many audience members in tears as they watched the empowering stories of the artists unfold.
Arts Alive is a community-based arts programme set in the heart of the West End in Galway City, Ireland. We provide an innovative programme of arts training where young adults with an intellectual disability can focus on both personal and artistic development. We also enjoy working as an ensemble, bringing performing arts projects and exhibits to a high standard and giving our group a voice and a place in the artistic community.
Jane Cassidy is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and educator from Galway, Ireland. Trained in music and digital media, Jane earned a Masters in Music and Media Technologies from Trinity College Dublin in 2008 and an MFA in Digital Art from Tulane University in 2014. Jane's main interests lie in audio-visual immersive environments, visual music and synesthesia.
Jane has held teaching positions at Tulane University, University of Alabama, Boston College and University of Galway.
Venue | Outset Gallery, The Cornstore Mall
View venue details, accessibility and transport options here.