Els Borghart takes constant inspiration from her many journeys and adventures, combined with her fascination for the absurdity of the human race, for observing people and wondering why they do what they do. Her changing world view and portrayal of mankind as a result of her nomadic lifestyle between Ireland and Belgium has been a major inspiration for this exhibition. What if the self coexists in two countries? What if the self gallivants between both, at the same time creating a sense and a lack of belonging in either place? This opens up a void where different realities interact with each other; it creates a potential in-between space, a neither here nor there where a sense of detachment and displacement reign. This is where she gallivants and observes the world around her, simultaneously part of and apart from, always hovering between both. It is often a lonely place, this in-between space, but as often it is a place that allows for exciting adventures and opportunities.

Els Borghart (BE) has been based in Ireland since 2008. She works as a visual artists and is a founding member, co-director and curator with NeXus Arts. She has an MA in Fine Art (LUCA School of Arts –Belgium) and an MA in Cultural Policy & Art Management (University Antwerp Management School – Belgium). She exhibits regularly and her work is part of many private collections both in Ireland and in Belgium. In 2015 she was awarded the Tyrone Guthrie Residency Award by Create Louth and a residency with Cill Rialaig Arts Centre. Els received awards by the Arts Council of Ireland, Drogheda Borough Council and Create Louth in recent years.