Lu's Lanterns exhibition is coming to Dundalk's Downttown Hub
The launch of Lu’s Lanterns: Photovoice Illuminations of County Louth takes place on Thursday 5 November at 11 am at the Creative Spark Downtown Hub in Dundalk.
The launch of a new exhibition, Lu’s Lanterns: Photovoice Illuminations of County Louth, takes place on Thursday 5 November at 11 am at the Creative Spark Downtown Hub on Clanbrassil Street in Dundalk.
From favourite coastal places to everyday concerns, ‘Lu’s Lanterns’ brings together photographs of life in County Louth, made by participants from Turas and displayed on handmade willow lanterns inspired by standing stones.
The local community is invited to help celebrate the launch of this exhibition, developed over six months of workshops facilitated by artist Julie Corcoran at Creative Spark Downtown Hub.
Participants used 35mm black-and-white film to photograph their daily lives, then created willow lanterns to illuminate and display their images.
Photovoice uses photography and discussion to explore communities through the eyes of the people who live in them.
Participants were invited to photograph their favourite people and places, as well as things they would like to see improved.
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Their images takes one from the seashore at Gyles Quay to Cú Chulainn’s Castle, a community garden and a rainbow of remembrance.
They also draw attention to concerns closer to home, including dog fouling on Clanbrassil Street and rubbish in the field beside the old graveyard at Faughart.
The photographs provided a starting point for conversations about the participants’ lives and surroundings. Over time, the workshops became a valuable opportunity to check in with one another and a safe space to share experiences and discuss what the images revealed.
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Resourcefulness and care for materials shaped the project throughout. Participants’ film was developed using used coffee grounds in Creative Spark’s darkroom facilities, while willow was used to construct the standing-stone-shaped lanterns.
The resulting exhibition brings analogue photography and sculptural making together, illuminating the places, relationships and everyday experiences that matter to the group.
All are welcome at the Downtown Hub on Thursday 5 November at 11am for the launch. Light refreshments will be served
This project is funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Creative Ireland Programme and is facilitated by Louth County Council.