We are solitary. We can delude ourselves about this and act as if it were not true. That is all. But how much better it is to recognize that we are alone; yes, even to begin from this realization. We must accept our reality as vastly as we possibly can; everything, even the unprecedented, must be possible within it. This is, in the end, the only kind of courage that is required of us: the courage to face the strangest, most unusual, most inexplicable experiences that can meet us.

– Rainer Maria Rilke, Borgeby gard, Fladie, Sweden, 12th August 1904

We are solitary. presents the work of 12 artists whose works reflect an array of approaches that characterises our cultural moment at the crux of this most unusual time in history. The artists in this exhibition represent a wide variety of styles and impulses, with each dealing with a spectrum of issues ranging from the personal to the community at large, delving into the past by looking at aspects of colonialism and ‘alien’ tree species to playing with our perception of reality by creating fictional worlds that reflect the one we live in now. Through connotations and associations, suggesting to the viewer the transient nature of our existence. These works are contemplative and assertive with moments of lightness and humour.

Viewable online here (interactive virtual tour) or here (Instagram).

The exhibition includes works by Kitsch Doom, Maree Egan, Louis Haugh, Vanessa Jones, Lisa Karnauke, Ann-Marie Kirwan, James Leonard, Martyna Lebryk, Bara Palcik, Eve Parnell, Bettina Saroyan and guest Lee Welch.

Organised by National College of Art & Design, MFA Fine Art programme and Rua Red. Curatorial assistance by Lee Welch.