Ties with the land on show in Kilnaboy

AN INTERESTING exhibition examining the relationship with the land, entitled An Clochán, is being launched in the X-PO Kilnaboy this Sunday.
The exhibition looks at the enormous changes in the Irish landscape over the last 40 years, encompassing Ireland’s accession to the EU, changes in farming practices, introduction of the REPS scheme and the unprecedented economic growth of the last 10 years, which have all played a part.
“The landscape has fed us, sustained us, shaped us, taught us and brought us joy. In parallel with the nation, agriculture has developed. Large slated shed, huge imported tractors and heavy machinery are now commonplace in the countryside.
“Agriculture has modernised, it is now a mechanised system of production. Has people’s attachment with the landscape been severed as the landscape has become more mechanised? Have people’s emotional and psychological connection to the land altered as a result of modernisation? These are among the issue dealt with the exhibition,” a spokesman said.
It also looks at the critical point in our history this nation is now at. “We are at a point of time of increasing energy prices, long term oil depletion, cessation of the REPS scheme, death of the Celtic Tiger and the environmental crisis will force us to change our farming practices and lifestyles. As a result of these factors, rural communities will through necessity have to become more reliant on the land again,” he added.
Part of the exhibition is a clochán, a simple structure, which has been built on the grounds of the X-PO looking out onto the surrounding land.
“The clochán allows participants the opportunity to reflect on the land without interruptions or distractions. Participants will be provided with a sheet of questions, which will aid them in their reflection upon the land in front of them. The  clochán has been built of unused agricultural products to emphasise the potential of reuse as part of a sustainable approach to the continued development of the rural landscape.
“It is hoped that the feedback and information gathered will create the platform for a continued dialogue concerning rural communities changing relationship with the landscape and to develop an awareness of the importance of an ecologically sensitive approach to the continuing development of the landscape,” he explained.
The exhibition will run for three months and is accessible during daylight hours throughout the three-month period.