Through this exhibition, artist Sonia Caldwell delves into our evolving relationship with spirituality and religious institutions, highlighting our ongoing need for a spiritual dimension in life, and the growing importance of a nature-centered approach to religious belief and practice.

Sonia Caldwell is a sculptor whose work primarily revolves around stone, but in recent years, she has expanded to include clay and plant-based materials, employing a variety of techniques. This reflects a deep connection to her local environment and the wider areas she explores. The act of collecting and processing materials is a crucial aspect of her creative process.

Her practice is grounded in craftsmanship and the inherent qualities of the materials she works with, often using locally sourced or handmade materials. Kilkenny limestone, millions of years old and favoured by many Irish stone carvers, is a recurring choice in her work. The rhythm of sculpting stone is meditative, reinforcing her belief that the rhythm of craft, like the rhythms of seasonal and spiritual practices, should be an integral part of our lives.

Throughout her life, Sonia has sought a more profound way to celebrate seasonal events—one that moves beyond the superficial offerings often presented in our post-religious, secular world. As society undergoes significant changes, so too do our relationships with Christianity and religious institutions. While traditional religious upbringing has provided solace for many, it is becoming increasingly clear that these structures are changing, leaving us uncertain about what direction lies ahead.

At the same time, we find ourselves reassessing our relationship with nature and rethinking the philosophical foundations of modern society. Criticism has often been directed at the Biblical notion of “dominion over the earth,” with many questioning its impact. In this context, some look back to pre-Christian Ireland, or to the period when early Christianity coexisted with older spiritual beliefs, in search of meaning.

This exhibition acknowledges that abandoning one form of spirituality without replacing it with something else goes against the deeply ingrained human need for focus and a way to navigate life’s challenges. We seek to connect with others, mark seasonal transitions and share in collective cultural experiences, while remaining open to alternative views. Unfortunately, the belief that one’s path is the only true path has often been the source of religious fundamentalism, leading to suffering and division. This exhibition emphasises the importance of a spirituality that is inclusive and unifying, rather than divisive.

Sonia Caldwell, born in Dublin, began her artistic journey with a one-year course in Art and Design after leaving school. However, her most profound education came through travel. A pivotal experience in Zimbabwe in 1996, where she met local stone carvers and learned their craft, deeply influenced her work and sparked a lifelong passion for stone carving. During this time, she also engaged in art-based work at addiction treatment centres, shaping both her artistic approach and perspective. In 2004, she relocated to West Cork. While raising her young family, she took a brief hiatus from sculpture but gradually returned to it, expanding her practice to include botanical illustrations of native plants for her print business. She also worked in schools, integrating heritage, craft, and nature into education. This deep engagement with the natural world continues to inspire her artistic practice today.

ATHMHÚSCAIL EVENTS

A conversation with the artist Sonia Caldwell and Celtic monk and priest, Dara Molloy

Wednesday 23 April at 5.30pm

To expand on the themes explored in Athmhúscail (Reawake), an exhibition by Sonia Caldwell, we have invited Dara Molly to join Sonia in conversation about his personal beliefs and spiritual journey in modern Ireland. Aligned with the themes of the exhibition, this talk will delve into the spaces left by the decline of traditional religious connections. It will also explore our relationship with nature, reflecting on how earlier spiritual traditions fostered a greater respect and understanding of the natural world, and consider our hopes for the future.

The event is free of charge, booking on Eventbrite here

Join us on Tuesday 29 April at 1.00pm for a Gallery Tour and Talk with artist Sonia Caldwell for her exhibition Athmhúscail (Reawake). Free of charge, no booking required, all welcome.

Join us on Saturday 10 May at 12 noon for a Gallery Tour and Talk with artist Sonia Caldwell for her exhibition Athmhúscail (Reawake). Free of charge, no booking required, all welcome.