Culture shocks explored through Limerick comics

A COLLECTION of comic illustrations in Limerick is exploring the “feeling of confusion” caused by cultural shock.

With a compilation of fifty original comic-style illustrations, the exhibition ‘Culture Shocked!’ celebrates cultural diversity.

Part of a series of events taking place on campus and in the city to mark the University of Limerick’s fiftieth anniversary, the exhibition depicts authentic testimonies of cultural misunderstandings with humour.

The themes tackled in the project include language, dress, food, customs, gestures and UL culture.

On March 23, the exhibition’s opening took place at the Bourne Vincent Gallery with music played by Dr Matthew Noone, Course Director of World Music, and artist Hilla Heikkinen aka Hilla Magia.

In Pictures: Cookbook for cancer patients launched in Limerick

Project Leader, Dr Florence Le Baron-Earle, commented: “In my classes, I work a lot with critical incidents. It’s when you are in a situation where you’re confronted with a different culture, and you don't really understand what's going on. At UL, we really pride ourselves in being really diverse. So, I thought, what if I involved staff, and students, to share anecdotes about these incidents.

“These examples of critical incidents can cause ‘cultural shock’, hence the title of the exhibition.”

According to Dr Le Baron-Earle, we have all experienced this feeling of confusion to some degree, wether while traveling abroad or while interacting with others. “

Now, thanks to this CULTURE SHOCKED!, we can learn from these testimonies and be better prepared for future intercultural encounters,” she said.

A collaboration of UL staff, students and of the wider community, the initiative received a good response. Thanking the contributors, Dr Le Baron-Earle added: “It was veryheart-warming to receive such a good response to the call.”

The exhibition will remain open to members of the public at the Bourne Vincent Gallery, on UL’s campus until June 30.