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BY SAIDHBHIN GIBSON
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When I visited in August 2024 there was little sign of living plants and I do not know why, maybe it is no longer maintained?
Saidhbhín Gibson’s work explores the framing of the non-human environment for and by contemporary society. She employs multifarious methods of production in the manufacture of the work. Video, photography, drawing, sculpture and needlepoint lace are used to examine the interference by humans of the Natural world.
The Upright Meadow is a living art installation located on College Street in Carlow Town, Ireland. It was created by artist Saidhbhín Gibson in 2017 as part of a town-wide project commissioning artists to respond to chosen wall spaces.
Here’s what makes it unique:
Living wall: Instead of traditional art materials, the “canvas” is a wall populated with wildflowers commonly found growing in the crevices of stone walls.
Plant Diversity: The installation showcases a variety of wild plants, highlighting the biodiversity often overlooked in urban environments.
Evolving Artwork: The Upright Meadow changes throughout the year as the plants grow, flower, and seed, creating an ever-evolving display.
Inspiration from Nature: The artwork was inspired by a nearby pocket of land rich in wildflowers, grasses, and wildlife.
Additional details:
The plants used were collected over eight months before being implanted into the wall.
The installation contrasts with the more manicured, commercial bedding plants often seen in urban planters.
It aims to draw attention to the beauty and resilience of wild plants.
Pure Thinking Community Group’s art project in Carlow. It seems they were involved in at least two projects:
Larger-Than-Life Portraits Project (2015)
This project was part of the lead-up to the Carlow Arts Festival in 2015.
Artists from the Pure Thinking Community created oversized portraits of inspirational people from Carlow.
These portraits were displayed on the exterior panels of the Carlow County Post Office during the festival.
The project involved workshops facilitated by artist Iwona Nartowska O’Reilly, with 29 artists participating.
The portraits showcased a diverse range of individuals, reflecting the vibrant Carlow community.
Wall Space Art Project (2017)
This project commissioned artists to respond to chosen wall spaces throughout Carlow Town.
It aimed to enhance the visual appeal of the town and promote local artists.
Saidhbhín Gibson’s “The Upright Meadow” was one of the artworks created for this project.
Other artists also contributed to the project, creating a variety of artworks in different locations.
It seems Pure Thinking Community Group played a key role in facilitating both of these projects, bringing together artists and creating opportunities for them to showcase their work and contribute to the cultural landscape of Carlow.