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MÁIRÍN NÍ SHÍOCHÁIN: A KINSHIP OF CREATURES

7 - 17 June 2017

Máirín Ní Shíocháin’s practice-led research explores questions of interspecies empathy, mutuality and kinship within the context of visual art and espouses an animal advocacy stance within contemporary arts practice. It addresses concerns about the role of animals in contemporary art and proposes that creating art should not subordinate the ethical treatment of animals.

The exhibition was opened by Dr Roberta Crisci-Richardson, Lecturer, Art History & Theory, School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, FedUni, on Thu 8 Jun 2017.

Máirín Ní Shíocháin’s practice reflects a lifelong affinity with non-human animals. Her observation of animals and birds in natural habitats in and around Ballarat and district was the foundation for this research.

The project focused on the recognition of kinship between humans and other animals and resulted in this body of work which contributes to the current discourse around animals in contemporary art. Consistent with her past practice, the works are all paper-based, demonstrating the versatility of this medium.

This exhibition represents the culmination of Ní Shíocháin’s practice-led PhD research at the Arts Academy, Faculty of Education and Arts, Federation University Australia.

Máirín Ní Shíocháin, Colm 1, 2015, Monoprint paper collage on Stonehenge paper, 32 x 25cm. Courtesy the artist