A new look at an Abandoned Clare

An exhibition of photographs by Deirdre O’Mahony and curated by Gregory McCartney entitled Abridged 0 – 20: Abandoned Clare will be launched in X-PO, Kilnaboy on Sunday from 12 noon to 2pm.
Deirdre was invited by curator Gregory McCartney to work on Abridged 0 – 20: Abandoned Clare as part of an ongoing project to document and record abandoned commercial properties in Ireland.
The Clare project focuses on contemporary rural abandonment and is a visual exploration of the economic and social changes that have taken place in the county during the past few years.
Deirdre explained that one of the more powerful aspects of abandoned buildings is the subject missing in the photographs; that is, the people who once worked and lived in these spaces.
“Their presence can still be felt in the architecture and discarded objects. This project addresses vital clues to the social, economic and architectural life of twentieth and indeed 21st century Clare,” she said.
Deirdre herself is an artist living in Kilnaboy who reopened the former post office in Kilnaboy as X-PO in 2007. This space has enabled new relations and connections between the various communities in the locality and has allowed the collective articulation of community history(ies) both within and beyond the locality.
X-PO is a participative project. Clubs and groups use the space on a weekly basis and social and cultural events are programmed by participants – all are welcome to contribute ideas or enjoy events in the space. The door is kept open through fundraisers, contributions from those using the space and awards for specific cultural events.
Deirdre is a full-time lecturer in painting at GMIT Galway and is completing her PhD in the University of Brighton.
This project has received project funding from the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaionn.
X-PO’s opening hours are Monday (Singers’ Club) 8.30pm to 10.30 pm; Tuesday (Mapping Group) from 8pm to 10.30pm; Wednesday (craft group) 8pm-9.30pm; Friday (coffee morning) 11am-12 noon; Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm.