Artists occupy space at gallery

SHANNON artist Emmet Kierans has opened a gallery in Limerick with a few colleagues.

Emmet is one of six artists who have started the Occupy Space gallery on Thomas Street. Their exhibits, along with those of other recognised artists, are now being regularly showcased at the venue, which has been leased to them by Limerick City Council.
Mr Kierans said he is hoping that the gallery will help emerging artists.
“Only a few artists are making a living purely from selling their art and it can be a long journey from graduate to professional. Our goal is to give these artists a chance to exhibit at Occupy Space, where we run a show every three weeks with a mix of local, national and international talent.”
He said they have been well supported by Limerick City Council. “The idea of renting the space free of charge to art students was the brain child of Lise Ann Sheehan, a former project manager from Limerick City Council.
“It was an idea modelled on cities like Berlin, which were largely deserted due to recession but are now thriving centres with vibrant open-air cultures. Limerick has taken the lead in this area and I am getting emails from other cities like Cork and Dublin, asking for advice on how to do it.”
Speaking about his art, he said, “I try to have a sense of humour in my work, which is usually oil on canvass. I create mercurial figures existing in fictional parallel worlds. These worlds are governed by ideologies that echo those of our own society. However, I do not want my art to be overtly political in its outlook and I am more interested in changing people’s ideals.”