Art and the Outdoors

With a mix of art history, fun facts and personal anecdotes, Beth looks at how other artists, old and new, have approached tree drawing and how we might reacquaint ourselves with these gentle giants.

In a sensory walk-through Phoenix Park, artist Helena Gouveia Monteiro invites us to lend an ear to the discreet sonic appearances along the path and experience our surroundings in a poetic and meditative experience followed by an art activity for family audiences based on bird calls and sounds.

Trying to capture its effect on our senses, the artist has recorded an approximate 10 min walk punctuated with sound anecdotes guiding us throughout this investigative journey. From the sound of whispering words to banging metal and whistling echoes, Liliane Puthod gives us an insight into her slow-paced approach on how to activate surfaces and spaces outdoors… a way to explore and listen to your own surroundings while using your body to generate specific sounds… Step outside, along with your hands and feet, eyes and ears, nose and skin. You will feel. Feel the texture of the sculptures, of trees, of grass. And you will hear the birds, the bees, the wind. In the distance, the sound of knocking wings. Try close your eyes. The Wind, can you hear the wind? When you step back inside, try and remember the different sounds you could hear and the different textures you could feel. Pretend you can see them. Give them a shape, a colour, a name. Give them a sound d d d d…

Artists Eithne Jordan and Edward Hopper come up in the conversation along with some pointers on how to use the nightscape as image-making material.

Taking a deep dive into the history surrounding the square, Kimberly explores the integral role that this part of Dublin played in some of Ireland’s most pivotal political, social and artistic events.

Standing on the edge between city and sea, ecological artist Ashleigh Downey explores the interconnections between humans and nature. Positioning herself in a place of transition, along the Great South Wall, Ashleigh looks to the past, and considers where we are at this present moment in time. Using the breath as anchor point Ashleigh circles a space between the natural and the man-made.

As the sun rises over Dublin Bay Ashleigh marks a moment in time by draws a circle in the sand. As the city awakes, she draws another set of circles near to Poolbeg Lighthouse, and wonders how long will these marks on the land last?

With a sense of curiosity and contemplation Ashleigh invites you to connect with your surroundings by creating your own ephemeral art.

Kimberly Griffith Walsh invites you to step into the world of the artwork ‘A Breezy Day, Howth’ by William Orpen.