George Petrie (IR) / Roni Horn (US) / Ruth Le Gear (IR) / Nano Reid (IR) / Anna Macleod (IR) / Sarah Tynan & Tamsin Snow (IR) / Lucy Andrews (UK/IR) / with a newly commissioned work by Seán Mac Erlaine (IR) • Curated by Linda Shevlin

So memorable in ancient history, and so rich in monuments of the past is it, that we fear not to assert that the history of Ireland might be written in tracing its banks.
–William Wilde, The Beauties of the Boyne, 1849

Curator’s talk with exhibiting artists

Sat 8 June, 2:30pm | Admission free, no booking required
To mark the opening of the exhibition,  join curator Linda Shevlin to discuss the ideas behind the exhibition and talk to some of the exhibiting artists.

The River Boyne is a defining topographical feature of Meath, its environs, and the countryside stretching from its source in Carbury, Co. Kildare to the Meath/Louth border beyond Drogheda, where it meets the sea. Despite its relatively short course – just 70 miles – it is potent with important historical, archaeological and mythical connotations and has been known since ancient times, featuring in the first known map of Ireland drawn by Ptolemy in 140 AD.

The Boyne also features significantly in the work of artist Nano Reid, who travelled its course in search of inspiration both in solitary contemplation and the company of friends and fellow artists.

The title I send my love along the Boyne is taken from a book of the same name featuring text by Elizabeth Hickey and illustrations by Nano Reid. Many of Reid’s works focus on the river’s physicality, the path carved by it through the countryside in wide swathes. The exhibition thematically takes its cue from the river Boyne and the topography, archaeology, and mythology of the surrounding area. Rich in geological, historical, archaeological and mythical tropes, the river is one of the most potent symbols of not only a journey towards but also the realisation of enlightenment. I send my love along the Boyne is underpinned by works that explore our complex relationship with water, its mythological, subliminal and restorative powers.

This exhibition will be accompanied by an installation exploring the historical and archaeological importance of the Boyne Valley with photographic images by Ken Williams, documenting recent archaeological discoveries at Brú na Bóinne, including the excavation of the newly discovered passage tomb cemetery and megalithic art at Dowth Hall, and a Boyne Currach crafted by Claidhbh Ó Gibne.

Curator’s talk with exhibiting artists
Sat 8 June, 2:30pm | Admission free, no booking required
To mark the opening of the exhibition,  join curator Linda Shevlin to discuss the ideas behind the exhibition and talk to some of the exhibiting artists.