Offaly artist's work features in immersive 'Peatlands' exhibition

An immersive exhibition on the theme of 'The Peatlands', which features the work of an Offaly photographer, is on display at the Bob Traynor Gallery at Moate's Tuar Ard Theatre

The exhibition features the work of award-winning nature photographer Tina Claffey, from Birr, and visual artist Kathrine Geoghegan, both of whom attended the launch recently.

The other artists who collaborated to create 'The Peatlands' were Paola Catizone and Charleen Hurtubise, with sound recordings made by the late Lisa Dowling Scott, and all of the elements were brought together by creative engineer, Fergus O'Hagan.

Speaking as he officially launched the exhibition, Westmeath councillor Cllr Tom Farrell said: "Many of us from the Midlands may feel like we have been immersed in the bog from a young age, having been tasked with saving turf over the years. We have our own experiences and thoughts of the bog. Perhaps it conjures up happy memories or thoughts of hard work.

"This exhibition invites us to immerse ourselves in the Peatlands in a very different way, to experience the beauty of the natural sights and sounds of the bog and the inspiration it provides to the artists who have collaborated to create this unique installation."

'The Peatlands' has been on tour and has exhibited at venues including the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin, Birr Castle in Offaly, and Dunamaise Arts Centre in Laois.

"It is a privilege to have 'The Peatlands' immersive exhibition in Moate and this is thanks to funding from the Creative Ireland Programme, at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, the Gaeltacht, Sport and Media," said Melanie McQuade, Heritage Officer with Westmeath County Council.

"This funding has enabled the exhibition to be shown here in Tuar Ard with free admission so that it can be experienced by people of all ages and backgrounds."

'The Peatlands' is open to visitors from Monday to Thursday (9am to 5pm) and on Fridays (9am to 1pm), until August 24.