Lorcan Walshe | The Artefacts Project

Lorcan Walshe (b.1952) is an Irish artist living and working in Dublin. He trained at the Sligo School of Art and the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. Walshe held his first solo exhibition in The Peacock Theatre Gallery, Dublin in 1982. He has exhibited widely in a solo capacity and as part of group exhibitions both in Ireland and abroad; including Contemporary Irish Artists exhibition at Syracuse University, U.S.A. (1991) and Sense of Ireland Festival, London. U.K. (1990).

The Artefacts Project at the Hunt Museum was a  fresh take on an exhibition of the same name displayed at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, in 2007. The exhibition showcased Walshe’s interest in Irish Medieval artefacts and how they exemplify Irish indigenous culture. These paintings and drawings are the result of Walshe’s search for artistic roots, finding them in the art and craftsmanship of Ancient Ireland. The era of the Celtic Revival had long since passed when Walshe set out on this quest, however its concept chimes with the way in which he sought to connect with Gaelic civilisation and Ireland’s ancient indigenous art.

In the spirit of the past being always present, the Hunt Museum incorporated the Irish Bronze Handbells from the permanent collection into this exhibition. The Bells would ring on the hour, with the sounds of Limerick played through the sound created by each bell. Visitors were invited to record their own voices as they would be heard through the bells.

Medieval objects such as Shrines were often embellished with semi-precious stones centuries after they were initially created, augmenting their appearance. Walshe has followed this tradition by updating his works years after their creation. This can be seen in The Shrine of the Miosach where he replaced the Medieval crucifixion image with a female presence reminiscent of Brigid, the High Priestess of pre-Christian Ireland.

Sources drawn from essays in the NMI Catalogue | The Artefacts Project 2007