The Smell of Crime

Meet Our Artists-in-Residence: Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring

Spike Island is proud to welcome Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring as our current Artists-in-Residence.

About the Artists: Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring, LaveryRing, have been collaborating for over 25 years, working with a wide variety of materials including cast bronze, aluminium, steel, glass, enamelled copper, and printmaking. The focus of their work is site-specific, delving into the history, myths and geographical influences of each location. By transforming these elements, they weave patterns of reference into tangible, context-rich artworks. Notable examples of the work are ‘The Wave‘ at the Lusitania Memorial, Old Head of Kinsale and ‘Strongbow & Aoife‘, in the Viking Triangle, Waterford.

Residency Focus: During LaveryRing’s residency at Spike Island, Liam and Eithne will delve into the rich tapestry of Spike Island’s history by crafting an immersive experience centred on the olfactory senses. This project will blend the evocative power of scents with other mediums such as printmaking and sculpture, creating a multi-sensory narrative that reflects the human experience within the confines of Spike Island’s prisons.

Upcoming Event: Pop-up exhibition and Artists Talk | Spike Island | 23-25.08.2024
On these days you can meet the artists and see their work in progress while gaining insights into their creative process.

Artists’ Statement:By connecting the stories and history of the prison with scents, we hope to stimulate dialogue and give the viewer a deeper level of insight into the lived experience of those who were incarcerated within its prison walls.

This innovative approach aims to engage viewers on a multisensory level, enriching their understanding of the site’s historical context.


Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring’s residency at Spike Island has brought a fresh perspective to the island’s storied past“, said Spike Island’s curator, Dorota Gubbins. “Through their innovative approaches, they highlight historical events and individuals, presenting them in a way that redefines our understanding and appreciation of this historic site.

THIS PROJECT IS THE RESULT OF A COLLABORATION BETWEEN SPIKE ISLAND, SAMPLE-STUDIOS AND SIRIUS ARTS CENTRE.

 

 

 

Click here to watch the video on YouTube.