Luan Gallery | Luan Gallery | Athlone Arts and Tourism

Tuberclerosies by Kevin Mooney

Luan Gallery is delighted to present Tuberclerosies, a solo exhibition by artist Kevin Mooney. 

Informed by mythology, Ireland's colonial history, and cultural migration, Mooney’s practice explores a speculative art history of Ireland. This newly commissioned body of work pulls on a wide range of references, from influences such as science fiction and horror films to histories of the Irish diaspora, to art history and Irish visual culture. Mooney explores these thematics through painting, sculptures, hybrid painting and sculptural works, and works on paper. 

Tuberclerosies offers a space for contemplation of the complex relationship between Ireland, colonialism, and religion. One strand within this body of work is inspired by texts relating to the lives of Irish saints and the relationship between history and pre-Christian mythology in the early church. Depictions of fictional Irish art historical figures are another element of the work, using them as a lens to examine a "lost" history of Irish portraiture. Transformation and shape-shifting lie at the heart of the motifs in the paintings and sculptures and in the processes of making the work, with motifs sometimes unexpectedly changing form and other forms becoming obscured at various stages of the creation of the work. The materials in the work play with the notion of time, blending influences from folklore and mainstream European, African, and folk-art idioms to create painted and sculptural objects- hybrids both culturally and formally.

A programme of accompanying events will take place during the exhibition, including child-friendly tours, curator’s tours, a publication launch, arts and craft workshops and school and third-level student tours. Information on the exhibition and upcoming events can be found at http://www.athloneartsandtourism.ie/luan-gallery/ and on Luan Gallery’s social channels.

Tuberclerosies will continue until Wednesday, 20th November. Luan Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and from 12 pm to 5 pm on Sundays. Admission to the gallery is free, and guided tours are accessible to all but require advance booking.

This exhibition is supported by The Arts Council.

Athlone Arts & Tourism, Elliott Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath N37 TH22