Cloud Flock & Herds | Helen Merrigan Colfer

Cloud Flocks & Herds

Helen Merrigan Colfer

Thursday 10 September - Saturday 24 October

The opening evening of the exhibition includes an In Conversation with Helen Merrigan Colfer and Noelle McAlinden | Thursday 10 September | 7-9pm

An opportunity to explore uniquely enchanting and thought provoking ceramic sculpture work by Helen Merrigan Colfer.

The narrative of this exhibition speaks to a ʻsense of selfʼ - or rather the absence of a ʻsense of selfʼ & how this can affect our personal narrative, leading some into a life long game of charades.

Where others feel comfortable in their skin, some feel a sense of liminality; living an ephemeral existence, always on the periphery, never quite fitting in. For the artist, this sense of insubstantiality is comparable to being ʻcloud-likeʼ - feeling pulled, pushed & torn by external forces that surround us. We exist within a transitory state with a constant need to morph from one state to another. We watch & listen, mimicking behaviors & traits of others in our attempt to blend in.

We are afraid to stand apart and be seen as that insubstantial fragile cloud we perceive ourselves to be. Clouds are rarely seen alone, they flock together. We become hybrids in our chameleon-like existence, constantly changing and merging humanity, imagination & interpretation. We occupy that space where the line between the real & unreal blurs, constantly seeking the sanctuary of other like minded hybrids. We flock together in search of our herd as we strive to discover our true identity and learn to celebrate what makes us uniquely different.

Cloud Flocks & Herds is curated by Noelle McAlinden

About the Artist

Helen Merrigan Colfer lives & works in her studio at the tip of the Hook Head Peninsula in county Wexford, Ireland. Through her art Helen explores themes of constantly shifting identities. Her subject matter attempts to unify nature & humanity, confronting themes of self identity with a thoughtful process, inviting the viewer to investigate multi layered narratives in her work.

She is a multi award winning artist who exhibits nationally & internationally. She is a regular exhibitor in both the RUA & RHA Annual Exhibitions since 2017 & 2021 respectively. Helen is also a professional member of VAI & an elected member of USWA (Ulster Society of Women Artists) & SWA (Society of Women Artists).

Awards

The Elizabeth Morrow Award | USWA Belfast 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019

The Hamilton Gallery Award | Cairde Visual Sligo 2022

Body of Work Award | SWA London 2020

The Mill Cove Award | Sculpture in Context Dublin 2018

The Cosgrove Award | Cairde Visual Sligo 2017