Earth Explorers
The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children, Dublin
“Our world is a constant playground for creativity and nature has always been an important source of inspiration.” Ashleigh Downey – exhibition curator
Earth Explorers was one of The Ark’s flagship projects in 2009. It included an exhibition, workshops, and outreach programme.
The exhibition was designed to encourage people to engage with their surroundings, inspire their creative potential, and explore the impact we all have on the world around us. The exhibition included artworks by 16 artists whose arts practice look to nature and explores its potential from a number of different viewpoints and creative approaches. Some used found and discarded objects to tell a story; others engaged with city life and how humans interact with nature. There were pieces that move or make noise, recreating the sounds of the city and presenting the music of the countryside. Imaginary worlds made from natural materials and created on a miniature scale were placed throughout the exhibition, inviting viewers on a game of hide and seek.
Exhibiting artists: Anthony Collins; Laura de Búrca; Aoife Desmond; Cathy Fitzgerald; Paul Henihan; Maggie Madden; Brigid McClean; Patricia McKenna; Daragh Muldowney; Moya Muldowney, Ailbhe O’Connell; John O’Connell; Beth O’Halloran; Seoidín O’Sullivan and Robbie Perry.
Curated by Ashleigh Downey, The Ark’s Visual Arts Programmer.
