SlaNey artS
TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION LAUNCHED The search to find the young artists who will excel in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition has begun. Last year three students from Co. Wexford won prizes in the Competition which is now in its 68th year and widely acknowledged as the longest running arts sponsorship in Ireland. The closing date for entries is Monday, 28th February. Judging will take place in April with winners to be announced in May. Details are available at www.texacochildrensart.com or at Texaco service stations throughout the country. n
Breaking the Bubble
The Presentation Centre is currently hosting a major art exhibition by Rory Dreaper showing his stunningly vibrant and intricate illustrations, all part of the annual mental health festival First Fortnight. Rory Draper is a visual artist based in Wexford, having graduated from Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dublin, in 2006 and later from the National College of Art and Design in 2010. Rory then moved to London where he lived and worked for a number of years. Breaking the Bubble is a culmination of work by Rory Draper looking at the small things people may do to get out of the frustrating bubble that they can get themselves into. That insidious bubble of inactivity and isolation and deceptive comfort that can remove you from the people around you. Coming back to Ireland from London after a breakdown/breakthrough three years ago, Rory took some time to build himself up again and adjust to a far quieter and slower environment. Part of Rory's recovery was being cognisant of what he could do and did do that helped him get through the day. Being aware of these small things and how useful they can be, became very useful for Rory during lockdown. It was during that time that Rory started to explore these events visually.
Rory Draper (right) at his ‘Breaking the Bubble’exhibition in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.
Breaking the Bubble – by Rory Draper runs in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, until 26th February 2022. n
Colm is new Laureate for Irish Fiction Enniscorthy’s Colm Tóibín is the new Laureate for Irish Fiction for a three-year term, taking over from Sebastian Barry. The role seeks to acknowledge the contribution of fiction writers to Irish artistic and cultural life by honouring an established Irish writer of fiction, encouraging a new generation of writers, promoting Irish literature nationally and internationally and encouraging the public to engage with Irish fiction. Colm Tóibín said: “I am honoured to be appointed Laureate... I will do what I can to work with a community of readers so that fiction continues to enrich our lives, allows us to see the world more clearly, or with a deepened sense of mystery. I will also work with fellow writers and aspiring writers to enhance the role novels and stories play in Irish life.” n
4th February 2022 - Page 93
