An innovative exhibition with art works made by teenage Syrian refugees travels to Claremorris Library this week. The exhibition entitled Paper, Light and Shadow will open in Claremorris Library on Wednesday evening. The artists of this travelling exhibition are a group of teenage Syrian refuges who recently resettled in Mayo.
Throughout late July and August they participated in a visual art and animation project at the Linenhall Arts Centre. The group came up with a story and told it using visual imagery in the form of animated paper cut-outs. Under the expert guidance of artist Maeve Clancy, assisted by designer Jeni Roddy, they imagined, conceived, wrote and conveyed the story using artwork they created during the project. Working in the Linenhall, they had the chance to meet, collaborate, speak English, learn visual art and animations skills and produce their own short animated film. This exhibition is the culmination of their creative endeavours. This exhibition opened in the Linenhall Art Centre, Castlebar in early October and it then travelled to Custom House Studios, Westport and most recently onto Ballina Arts Centre. Visitors have been impressed by the striking images and how they are brought to life through animation.
This project was supported by Mayo County Council, South West Mayo Development Company, Linenhall Arts Centre and the Arts Council. It was initiated and funded by Mayo County Council Arts Office through a Cultural Diversity Partnership initiative, supported by the Arts Council under the Invitation to Collaborate Scheme. This project is a step towards developing a cultural diverse service and access for culturally diverse citizens. Claremorris Library are also delighted to host the exhibition where it will be launched in the library on Wednesday, November 29 at 8pm.
