New exhibition
opens at Artlink, Fort Dunree
05.09.22
VISUAL artist Louise
Spokes explores ‘deadly poisonous plants, love and
betrayal’ in her first solo exhibition at Fort Dunree.
An intriguing new solo exhibition entitled ‘The Seed
That Stops The Heart’ by Glasgow-based visual artist
Louise Spokes is currently being showcased in the
Saldanha Gallery, Artlink, Fort Dunree with free
admission daily from 10:30am - 4:30pm up until 2nd
October 2022.
The exhibition by Louise, a former director and
chairperson of the 126 Artist-Run Gallery in Galway,
explores the themes of 'deadly poisonous plants' and
their associations with folklore and historical stories
of ‘love and betrayal’ from ancient Rome to the modern
day. |
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Patricia, George and
Louise Spokes at the opening reception of 'The Seed That
Stops The Heart' exhibition at Fort Dunree. |
Louise, a former student
of Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana, who previously worked in
Malta and has extensively showcased in group exhibitions
throughout Ireland, drew inspiration for her latest
series of drawings on glass and paper having had a
desire to bring nature ‘indoors’ during lockdowns and
the Covid-19 pandemic.
Louise explains: “I produced many exhibitions of other
people’s work during my time on the board at 126
Artist-Run Gallery, but this is my first solo exhibition
and it’s a bit new to me or somewhat strange being on
the other side of the experience!”.
“The Seed That Stops The Heart is inspired by poisonous
plants, their effects, and the folklore, tales and
notorious historical events associated with them.
“My title refers to the literal danger of poisonous
plants such as the common Foxglove, whose seeds can be
fatal when eaten. It also hints at the seed of doubt,
jealousy and anger that might inspire someone to poison
a victim.
Louise says there are also so many interesting stories,
both past and present, related to poisonous plants,
which are full of intrigue, love and betrayal, and the
pursuit of power.
“Legend goes that Catherine DeMedici murdered Jeanne
d'Albret with a gift of perfumed gloves laced with
poison, and Locusta of Gaul (the ‘poisoner of Rome’) is
considered to be the first recorded serial killer -
notoriously taking down many royal court members in the
1st Century Roman Empire.
“Poisonous plants are also ‘cropping up’ in the news
recently – for example with Donald Trump alarmingly
appearing to endorse Oleandrin in 2021, a toxic
substance extracted from the Oleander plant, as a
possible treatment for Covid!" |
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Louise Spokes at the
opening reception for her first solo exhibition 'The
Seed That Stops The Heart' at Dunree. |
For Louise ‘home is
certainly where the heart is’ and she is both excited
and proud to be showcasing her first solo exhibition and
new artwork at Dunree.
“I always get back every summer, Christmas, and as often
as possible. Last summer, I was able to work from home
in Ireland. I would finish work, then head out and meet
friends and go for a swim in the sea. After all those
months cooped up in my apartment in Glasgow, it felt so
liberating. It feels fitting that I would have my first
solo show at home. Inishowen is stunning and a great
source of inspiration for art and artists. Fort Dunree,
where the exhibition is being held is spectacular too!”
For further information on ‘The Seed That Stops The
Heart’ exhibition visit
www.artlink.ie . |
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