New Mayo exhibition: All the Men (We ever loved) are dead or dying

ALL the Men (We ever loved) are dead or dying: An Exploration of Contemporary Masculinity by visual artist Conor O'Grady is coming to the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, from January 12 to February 24.

All the Men (We ever loved) are dead or dying examines the complexity of contemporary masculinity though a series of multidisciplinary works that navigate statistical realities with the risk, danger and vulnerability that is inherent within the contemporary male experience.

Through O'Grady's distinctive practice and artistic approach, the artworks weave a narrative that documents an interplay between strength and vulnerability within the re-presentation of certain male identities.

Visual frameworks referenced in the exhibition include artists such as Suzanne Lacy, Cy Twombly and the photographer Hal Fischer who along with painters like Sean Keating and Patrick Hennessy heavily influenced this candid and introspective examination of contemporary male lives.

Exhibition highlights from this Castlebar artist include:

• Dynamic video pieces: Explore street fight choreography in a captivating black and white video, revealing both raw reality and the choreographic potential in spontaneous acts of male violence.

• Transformative canvases: Large abstract canvases and delicate watercolour portraits, coloured from water in areas marked by violence, evoke a visceral connection to the male experience.

• Evocative landscapes and intimate portraits: Expansive paintings depict desolate landscapes with figures obscured or adorned with wildflowers and balaclavas, featuring deliberate juxtapositions and a mapping system documenting experiences.

• Innovative floor installation: O'Grady frequently integrates floor installations using found objects that invite tactile exploration of the environments referenced in the artworks.

Conor O'Grady is an artist who frequently uses socially engaged practices to document, research and collaborate with marginalised communities.

His masterful use of dialogue-as-a-medium and artist centred models have allowed him to access and re-present difficult to reach communities within his practice.

This exhibition goes beyond conventional narratives, delving into the tender complexities of contemporary masculinity. It challenges societal norms and opens up a nuanced dialogue on the interplay between strength and vulnerability within the male identity, with a particular emphasis on marginalised experiences.

This exhibition is supported by the Arts Council, the Royal Scottish Society and Mayo County Council Arts Service.