Donegal-based visual artist Leanne McLaughlin has opened a new solo exhibition that explores the world of textiles in the Saldanha Gallery, Artlink Fort Dunree.
Entitled ‘Fractured’, the new exhibition is challenging the public to contemplate the ways in which patterns rule our daily lives, from morning rituals to the way people cope with big changes. Leanne is inviting people to reflect on the resilience of human nature in the face of change and how people adapt and change patterns over time.
Leanne McLaughlin, originally from Derry, has been living in the Donegal Gaeltacht for over twenty years. She graduated with a degree in Fine & Applied Art from Ulster University in 2012 and has since worked on numerous national and international projects, ranging from fine art exhibitions and public sculptures to community arts, outreach and engagement programmes.
Her artwork has featured in prominent locations such as Blarney Castle, University College Dublin, Derry City of Culture, The National Botanic Gardens and a public sculpture in Mountshannon, Co. Clare.
Visitors to Leanne McLaughlin’s solo exhibition ‘Fractured’
Leanne has also received several awards, including the Donegal County Council Arts Scheme Award in 2021 and the Scéim Sparánachta d’Ealaíontóirí in 2015 & 2021. She is currently the manager and lead artist with ‘Turas Úr’ – a visual arts collective in the Donegal Gaelteacht that merges artworks, sculpture and video installations. The research and development for the work for this exhibition has been supported by Ealaín na Gaeltachta and The Donegal County Council.
Speaking at the open event for the new exhibition, Leanne said: “My inspiration comes from the everyday – engaging with the landscape, community and humanity – and it also reflects the journey of personal identity and belonging. Over the past few years, I have reflected on how loss and our patterns for coping can be replicated and integrated into our lives.
“Through my artwork, I aim to highlight the influence of patterns in our natural world and and human-made structures, and how they shape our understanding of the world around us.
“I hope ‘Fractured’ encourages the viewer to reflect on the interplay of patterns in their own lives and how fundamental they are to life.”
Visitors to Leanne McLaughlin’s solo exhibition ‘Fractured’
Artlink Project Co-ordinator Rebecca Strain said: “We’re delighted to be showcasing Leanne’s striking and captivating new artworks which invite us to contemplate our relationship with patterns and how they shape our understanding of the world.
“As we navigate through the current times, where change has been thrust upon us by the global pandemic and other events, Leanne’s new exhibition focuses on the everyday patterns and activities that govern our lives.”
‘Fractured’ by Leanne McLaughlin
Martha McCulloch, Artlink Project Co-ordinator added: “With the world in a state of change, Leanne’s work becomes even more significant as she encourages personal reflection and creative expression in the face of global conditions.
“Indeed, the thought-provoking ‘Fractured’ exhibition really is a feast for the senses and not one to be missed.”
‘Fractured’: photo by Jacqui Devenney Reed
The open event for Leanne McLaughlin’s new solo exhibition took place on Saturday 6th May and runs up until 4th June with free admission daily from 10:30am-4:30pm. For further information visit artlink.ie
