“Material Witness” by Nollaig Molloy launched recently

Material Witness the an exhibition of new works by Roscommon artist Nollaig Molloy opened at Roscommon Arts Centre on Easter Saturday.

Picture Credit: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea.

Using the National Schools Folklore Collection from 1937-38 as a point of departure, Nollaig examines the many stories, material culture and folk customs of County Roscommon, as told by the generation after the 1916 Rising.
The exhibition focuses on the materials-to-hand referred to within this collection of manuscripts. A particular story titled ‘The vessels used in olden times’ lists materials of wood, tin and clay used to make containers for specific everyday use. The exhibition is informed by an engagement with members of the South Roscommon Singers Circle and the community where these materials were resourced and will present a number of outcomes responding to small scale objects made on a production of necessity, to large scale industries supplying the whole country as described in the Folklore Collection. The Exhibition runs until June 3rd.

Nollaig, who graduated with a BA in History of Art and Fine Art, Sculpture in 2012, recently exhibited in ‘Heckles’, TACTIC Cork, Cork City. She is a recipient of CREATE Artist In Community Scheme; Research and Development Award 2015. She is currently living and working in Roscommon.

This project is supported by Ireland 2016 / Éire 2016, Roscommon County Council and the visual arts programme is supported by Roscommon County Council Arts Office, Roscommon Arts Centre and the Arts Council of Ireland and curated by visual arts curator in residence Linda Shevlin.