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Gallery runs a surplus
Occupy Space Gallery is hosting an exhibition for the next month with a topical theme - Surplus Value
John Rainsford
A radical exhibition of modern art which takes as its theme the 'Surplus Value' produced by workers will take place from May 7 until June 7 at the 'Occupy Space' exhibition centre on Thomas Street.
The working title 'Surplus Value' - an economic term which is used to describe the process by which workers contribute added value to capitalist production - has been carefully chosen.
The term, first used by Karl Marx in his work 'Das Kapital', was applied to the plight of Limerick bakers in May 1860. Indeed, drawing from a report by the 'Committee for Baking in Ireland' (1861) Marx stated: "In Limerick, where the grievances of the journeymen are demonstrated to be excessive, the movement has been defeated by the opposition of the master bakers, the miller bakers being the greatest opponents."
Michele Horrigan, who is curating the exhibition, explained: "I think it is important to deal with contemporary ideas and issues when curating a show which is why I have chosen a loose theme of 'economy' when selecting the work."
Sheila Deegan, City Arts Officer, Limerick City Council, said the City Council would be making a contribution to the exhibition in an effort to support artists and the presence of artists in the City.
Emmet Kierans, one of the directors of the Thomas Street gallery, stated: "The show is important for Limerick because it features renowned artists with a strong connection to Limerick, such as Sean Lynch and Mike Fitzpatrick, as well as outstanding international artists.
"While some of the works deal specifically with aspects of Limerick, all of the work is topical and relevant to the current economic and cultural climate. 'Occupy Space' is delighted to be able to bring work of this standard to a Limerick audience."
The artists taking part are internationally recognised and will be exhibiting works which challenge the sensitivity and morality of the audience.
In 'Dealer Ties' (1996-97) Mike Fitzpatrick persuaded sixty New York art gallerists to pose for a photographwhich was then printedonto a cheap white tie thus demonstrating the naked exploitation of their worth.
'Hurry On Sundown' (2010) a sculpture by Angela Fulcher is constructed from panels using fabric sourced from tents abandoned at the site of a music festival that took place in 2009. Her title is borrowed from psychedelic rock band Hawkwind.
Oliver Heinzenberger's 'White Square' (2010) consists of a floor constructed from material previously used as a skateboard ramp in Frankfurt.
Holly O'Brien's photographs entitled 'Morning, Noon, Night' (2008) provide stunning images of urbanity and transient social relationships at a Limerick street corner during different times of the day.
'The Bandits Live Comfortably in the Ruins' (2006) by Sean Lynch is a presentation of archival news footage of the 1989 demolition of Rank's Mills in Limerick. Farcically the building resisted all attempts to destroy it no matter how much explosive was used. If only the 'Celtic Tiger' had proved as robust!
'Occupy Space' will exhibit the artworks of Mike Fitzpatrick, Angela Fulcher, Oliver Heinzenberger, Sean Lynch and Holly O'Brien, curated by Michele Horrigan. The Opening reception is at 7pm May 6th with the exhibition from May 7 until June 7, 1 - 6 pm Wednesday to Saturday.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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