Bryan Gerard Duffy is Mayo artist for Platform 31 scheme
BRYAN Gerard Duffy has been announced as the Mayo artist for the 2022 Platform 31 scheme.
Following the success of the inaugural Platform 31 programme in 2021, this innovative scheme has returned, showing the commitment of local authority arts offices, together with the Arts Council, to supporting the continued development of artists throughout Ireland.
Platform 31 is designed to support artists to reflect on and develop their practice or make work in a new way while being connected with and supported by peer practitioners, advisors and mentors. There are 31 participating artists, one from each local authority area in Ireland.
Developed by the Association of Local Authority Arts Offices (ALAAO) with the Arts Council, Platform 31 offers two elements of support - financial and developmental - for mid-career artists across all disciplines.
Speaking about the announcement, Bryan Gerard Duffy said: "Pre-Covid, I spent much of my time moving between public art projects, art workshops, and other sources of income. Covid restrictions only prolonged, complicated and exhausted many of these projects through replanning, and alongside personal challenges contributed to less time in the studio.
"I am beyond grateful to Platform 31 and Mayo County Council for the opportunity to spend more time in the studio developing and redirecting my practice.
"I will spend my time over the coming months reflecting on my multi-disciplinary approach to working, expanding on my use of materials, and looking back on 14 intense years of working on the displacement and movement of people, such as the global refugee crisis.
"Platform 31 will also allow me to create new formulas in art making, form new relationships and explore new avenues in AI (artificial intelligence) development through painting and sculpture while availing of invaluable mentorship support and peer support.
"It is a great honour to be selected alongside so many significant artists. This is a defining moment in the evolution of my art practice. It would not have been possible without the Platform 31 award."
Ann Marie McGing, arts officer (acting) at Mayo County Council, added: "Mayo County Council is delighted to support Bryan Gerard Duffy with a bursary. Brian’s work draws lines and crosses lines, both physically and metaphysically while investigating psychological and physical displacement.
"This opportunity to focus on his work coupled with valuable peer networking opportunities will be of great benefit to his practice."
Said Kevin Kelly, chief executive, Mayo County Council: "Mayo boasts a strong reputation for artistic excellence and creativity. Pivotal to the vibrant arts sector that exists here are the many artists who live and work in the county.
"The standard of applications received in response to the open call for Platform 31 is indeed testament to the strength of the artistic community in the county."
Bryan Gerard Duffy is a multi-disciplinary artist working in paint, sculpture, lens-based work, moving image and installation. He draws lines and also crosses lines, both physically and metaphysically while investigating psychological and physical displacement. He has collaborated with other artists, refugees and asylum seekers globally on a number of projects.
Duffy is now based in Mayo, and is a graduate of the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. He has continued to exhibit nationally and internationally, which includes upcoming solo shows in the Ballina Arts Centre, and the Courtyard Gallery at the National Museum of Ireland, Country Life.
He was the recipient of the Mayo County Council Tyrone Guthrie Residency Award (2022), and the recipient of the Bolay Residency Award, Castlebar (2020).