Adaptation, an exhibition of new work by Alex Scott, Alva Gallagher, Helen McAllister, Nigel Cheney and Seliena Coyle, will celebrate the life and writings of William Shakespeare on the 400th anniversary of his death.

2016 celebrates the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. Born in the latter half of the 16th century his creative peak saw out a century of European turmoil and heralding in a Baroque 17th century. William Shakespeare was pivotal in forging literature, arguably his influence has not been surpassed. His works have transcended four centenuaries without diminishing our fascination for his plots, characterizations and dialogue. This appetite is still evident in Irish curriculum and International theatre attendance. His work has been adapted and reinterpreted through many mediums and in many styles. For us this exhibition is an opportunity to respond to the complex and fascinating characters he created; an ‘adaptation’ through crafted objects and artworks.

It is with notions of narration, dialogue and dramatision, that this prestigious group of visual artists find common ground to communicate by the creation of art artefacts. The notion that drama is about performance, acting, the telling of a story seems to suggest a similar role for the visual artist in that by what we make, how we ‘speak’ to a viewer, present and engage with an audience, is all ‘dramatization’.

‘Adapation’, Alex Scott – Ceramics, Alva Gallagher – Glass, Helen McAllister and Nigel Cheney – Textiles and Seliena Coyle – Metals, unites five very different practitioners who work in the Applied Arts. This exhibition proposes to interpret and respond to Shakespeare’s work in a nuanced and particular way, sharing an affinity for making, for layered meaning and codified details through applied material based practices. Taking very different approaches to his canons of tragedies, comedies and historical dramas to showcase new work from these makers that would premiere in this venue.

Farmleigh itself presents an inspirational setting. A repurposed space that has a tradition in showing the best of applied practice in a contemporary setting. We feel this is a stage that Shakespeare would have embraced. As a focal point for Irish tourism this space also offers the opportunity to reach out to universal themes that embrace many different cultures and is a reference point accessible by all.