The Leader Column 17 October 2018

‘Plantlore’ is a new body of work by emerging artist Kaya Brennan, recipient of a six-month printmaking bursary with the Limerick Printmakers. The work presented is an ongoing investigation of Irish folklore in relation to certain indigenous plants. By looking back to the past, and the relationships we had with the plants that grew around us, it forges new respect for the natural world and its importance in our everyday lives. Now more than ever, people crave intimate connections with nature. Folkloric tradition, although still prevalent today, is very much linked to older civilizations, bridging between mysticism and factual, combining ancient and existing knowledge. When plants are examined through the lens of folklore it simplifies down to observation; learning; and sharing that knowledge. It is in the same way which Kaya undertakes the making of this work and the result is an intuitive response to her research combining relevant plants, site-specific photography and the surrounding folkloric beliefs to create a collection of mixed media and experimental prints.

‘Plantlore’ is a new body of work by emerging artist Kaya Brennan, recipient of a six-month printmaking bursary with the Limerick Printmakers. The work presented is an ongoing investigation of Irish folklore in relation to certain indigenous plants. By looking back to the past, and the relationships we had with the plants that grew around us, it forges new respect for the natural world and its importance in our everyday lives. Now more than ever, people crave intimate connections with nature. Folkloric tradition, although still prevalent today, is very much linked to older civilizations, bridging between mysticism and factual, combining ancient and existing knowledge. When plants are examined through the lens of folklore it simplifies down to observation; learning; and sharing that knowledge. It is in the same way which Kaya undertakes the making of this work and the result is an intuitive response to her research combining relevant plants, site-specific photography and the surrounding folkloric beliefs to create a collection of mixed media and experimental prints.

2018 is the seventh year of OpenHouse Limerick. The theme of this year’s event is Architecture is Community, and it will explore how space is used by different groups, both as a place of congregation or through layered uses that are re-imagined through time.

It aims to open up a conversation around the value of architecture and its role in the community of Limerick. The weekend events include unparalleled access to private buildings, dwellings, spaces and projects across the region, providing tours and talks with architects, historians, urban designers and occupants. This year includes a number of previously unseen venues as well as some firmly established favourites.

Highlights include new additions such as:

• Tours of Gardens International (Hanging Gardens)
• Tours of St. Mary’s Cathedral
• Tours of the A.K. Ilen boat, docked in Limerick Dock
• A presentation of work by Níall McLaughlin Architects  – including the International Rugby Experience
• Architect-led tours of the new Limerick Courthouse on Mulgrave Street
• Tour of the new Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick

Click here for the full programme of events.

The Scare Factory returns for our 5th year to a brand new, terrifying site… The Old Cleeve’s Factory!

Come and join The Scare Factory as they return to their raw, gritty roots at one of Limerick’s oldest & most iconic locations.

This is the biggest Scare Factory to date, spanning multiple buildings & unleashing your worst nightmares.

All tickets grant access between the times of 7pm – 10pm with Fastpass tickets offering quicker entry.

Book here.

A  portrayal of the life of Eva Cassidy through video, voice and song. Elsa Jean McTaggart presents a tribute to her all-time favourite artist Eva Cassidy. With her voice and guitar plus piano accompaniment, she brings alive the essence of Eva as she relates the songs to the beautiful and yet tragic story of one of the world’s most iconic voices, which was not brought to light until years after her untimely death at 33. Elsa’s voice has been described as ‘smooth as velvet… sultry’ (Joe Simmons, Edinburgh Tonight) and “One of these very few people with a distinctive enough voice to do the music and songs of Eva Cassidy justice.” (Tom King Southside Advertiser).