Reflections [at 26 Years]
We might wonder at times, What if? What if the project could grow and grow and continue with an honest
and free approach to reflecting what visual art is being created in and about Ireland?
It might be impossible to get there in this medium, but, what if there could be a taste, a hint of
the artistic endeavours that would invite the viewer to take a closer look, maybe to step inside
a local gallery or art exhibition to see that there is an enthusiasm for creativity, an exploration of
the possible? And be surprised!
Of course there are a great number of reasons why this medium, and this platform, cannot really show
off the artistic talent that abounds, others in the sector being way, way better equipped
and resourced for that role. Much visual art needs a space shared physically with the viewer to even
begin to communicate its message. But, we make no apolagies for attempting to put a hint at that
creativity online, glowing on a screen, somewhat squashed and compromised, to tease out
curiousity, the viewer who might see beyond the limitations of this medium, this platform. Every
picture in less than half a million pixels. A dim impression, an invitation to get closer and to look,
to get a proper feel for the art.
Stuff is happening, artists are working, visitors, from everywhere, are flocking to see the
signs that New Irish Art is worth exploring, there is so much to see and enjoy. The project
might be seen as a flyer, a simple presentation, with little artistic value in itself [our critics
are nothing, if not hostile], but that view, the one that chooses to ignore the ambition and skill of the artists, the
view that chooses to dismiss the audience, is missing the point; completely! Maybe those
critics should focus a little on the upside of audience growth, however it emerges.
The freedom to have your artwork presented, without fuss, without undergoing judgment or experiencing bias, is
part of what the project aims at, some goals are heavily restricted by lack of resources
and that also causes a tightening of scope. The project has already overcome boundaries imposed
by resource shortage and scopeshrink [ok, I made that word up], more than once or twice [esp when you consider that
the New Irish Art project was operational about 5 years before Facebook]. If only, 'what ifs' won't
get you or any project from A to B, though reflection is good for resetting the context and redefining
the way forward. What if the project is somehow reflecting an aspect of Irish art that should not
be reflected, that might be better left unseen?
With the mention of limitations, we never overlook our bottom line, the independent artists who
choose to put their work on show, their support for the project, their support and encouragement for
emerging artists, for their peers and their recognition of the importance of growing and
maintaining an online audience [local and International] of the viewing public (many of whom
are only a few steps away from a physical exhibition space), encouraging more of them to come closer,
A nudge, in that direction? That is a powerful influence on the project's future and shaper
of it's purpose.
You Rock,
Tom Hogarty, A Dreamer
