An exhibition of work by Lorcán Mac Mathúna, Rónán Ó Raghallaigh and John Ó Faoláin
On Display at Wexford Arts Centre, in the Dr. Billy Colfer Gallery from 4th – 22nd December 2023.
Film screening and exhibition opening will take place on Monday 4th December at 7pm. Tickets to this event are free of charge but must be booked in advance.
Join artists Lorcán Mac Mathúna, Rónán Ó Raghallaigh and John Ó Faoláin, at the Wexford Arts Centre on the 5th of December at 7pm for the premier screening of “Aisling – Music of Visions”, a film by John Ó Faoláin.
“Aisling – Music of Visions” is a captivating collaborative project that unites sean nós singer Lorcán Mac Mathúna, visual artist Rónán Ó Raghallaigh, and filmmaker John Ó Faoláin. This immersive experience, which took place on September 5th 2022, delves into the realm of the “Aisling,” or visionary poetry, and its profound influence on both music and visual art.
Set against the backdrop of The Irish National Heritage Park, the trio embarked on a unique journey to explore the essence of the Aisling. Lorcán Mac Mathúna’s haunting vocals and Rónán Ó Raghallaigh’s intricate visuals converged to craft a multidimensional interpretation of this ancient tradition. The performance was captured through the lens by John Ó Faoláin, with a live audience witnessing the symbiotic relationship between music and art, as it unfolded.
At the heart of the film project lies the aspiration to encapsulate the alchemy that transpires when music and visual performance intertwine, all inspired by the spiritual and supernatural dimensions of the Aisling. Lorcán and Rónán’s artistic expressions resonated with the audience’s perceptions of the otherworldly, while the camera served as the third eye, delving beyond the surface to reveal hidden layers of their creative process.
John Ó Faoláin’s cinematic perspective approaches the endeavour with a narrative flair, channelling traditional storytelling techniques to guide the audience through this artistic odyssey. The film doesn’t merely document the creation but observes and seeks to uncover the essence of Lorcán and Rónán’s artistic ambitions. Through the lens of the camera, the audience becomes a silent witness to the birth of something extraordinary, all without disrupting the natural course of the creative flow.
Adopting a poetic approach to filming, the project eschews conventional linear narratives in favour of a more evocative, mood-driven style. This aesthetic choice captures not just the act of creation but also the emotions, aspirations, and unspoken facets that converge when artistic spirits
intertwine.
“Aisling – Music of Visions” is an exploration of the unseen, an invitation to experience the interplay of sound and sight, and a celebration of the mystical tapestry woven by these three visionary artists.
The film and the art work will remain on display at Wexford arts Centre following the screening event until December 22nd.
