Trying to behave, a solo show by artist Theresa Nanigian opening in the The Lab, Dublin on 6 April, is part of the just a bit extraordinary tour. The tour is comprised of ‘three chapters’ in which the artist has chosen an equal number of idiosyncratic groups, loosely aligned to a particular stage in psychosocial development, to serve as her muse in exploring the expression of identity across the lifespan.
Trying to behave employs a particular pastime as the lens through which to consider older age – the bi-monthly tea dances at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Having attended this event on numerous occasions, observing, filming, and surveying numerous patrons, the artist uncovered several dichotomies about this disparate group of individuals who share an ardent passion: Composure and vulnerability; vivaciousness and feebleness; spirit and neediness; beauty and decline.The exhibition will consist of photographs taken at the Royal Opera House, as well as, a short video projection of dancers from the Macushla Dance Club at DanceHouse, Dublin. Responses to the Twenty Statements self-concept survey will also be on display – a common link across all the exhibitions in the tour.
Trying to behave is partially funded by the Arts Council as part of the Touring and Dissemination of Work Scheme award.
Theresa Nanigian works in installation, moving image, text, drawing and photography. She has exhibited throughout Ireland in venues such as the Void (Derry), the Royal Hibernian Academy (Dublin), the Butler Gallery (Kilkenny) and the Crawford Art Gallery (Cork), as well as, internationally. Nanigian’s practice also includes public art projects, with her most recent commission titled Travelogue winning the Allianz Business to Arts Award for Best Commissioning Practice. She holds an MA in New Media (NCAD) and BA in Fine Art (DIT). The artist was born in the U.S. and has lived in Dublin for over 18 years. Nanigian’s work can be viewed on her website at: www.theresananigian.com