A NEW exhibition has opened in the Alley Theatre this week exploring the work of celebrated local writer Flann O’Brien through a variety of traditional and more technical mediums.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, launched the exhibition last night, featuring works by the artists Eddie, Joanna and David O’Kane entitled ‘The Ever Widening Spiral’.
The art is inspired by the writing of Flann O’Brien with particular reference to ‘The Third Policeman’ and comprises an eclectic mix of works rendered in paint, sculpture, print, film and animation.
This exhibition is part of a series of exhibitions being shown in venues including Salzburg University, Burns Library, Boston College, USA, and Boston College Headquarters, Dublin.
The artists believe that Flann O’Brien’s birthplace, Strabane and Donegal had a major influence on his writing and many of the artworks displayed reference these influences.
Launching the event, Alderman Warke, said it featured some thought provoking works. “This is a really interesting exhibition that brings to life some of Flann O’Brien’s fascinating and fantastical theories.
“I was very impressed at how the artists managed to utilise such a diverse range of mediums to convey different aspects of his work, and create a visual narrative to accompany O’Brien’s writings.
“I would really recommend a visit to see this imaginative and insightful exhibition.”
Flann O’Brien is renowned as a leading figure in modern and postmodern literature, and for his satirical writings and humour.
This new exhibition uses a number of techniques to bring to life some of the concepts created by O’Brien exploring the dark and the absurd through the philosophies of the protagonist deSelby.
Manager at the Alley Theatre, Louise Boyce, said: “We are delighted to host this exhibition which celebrates the work of one of Strabane’s most acclaimed sons, and to be able to show it here in Flann O’Brien’s home town, which has such a strong resonance in his work.
“The artists, Eddie, Joanna and David O’Kane have brought together a fantastic collection of works that shed new perspective on O’Brien’s most renowned works.
“This exhibition is just one of two Flann O’Brien Exhibitions on show at the moment, in our larger Gallery ‘An Introduction to Flann O’Brien – A Man of Mystery’ is showing until February 2022.”
The ‘Ever Widening Spiral’ exhibition has been funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and by Creative Ireland and will be on show at the Theatre until 15th October, open Monday – Friday 10am – 4.30pm.
For more information visit: www.alley-theatre.com or contact the theatre on 02871 384 444.
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