Mayo Day at Ballinglen Arts Foundation
Book artist Alice Austin creates sculptural books that celebrate place: Italy, Ireland, and Philadelphia. Her graphic prints, from hand-carved linoleum, distil image and evoke place. The unusual sculptural forms of her books present the idea of the artwork. Words, when used, reinforce the visual. Colour and texture abound, drawing the viewer in to explore, with the artist, places near and far.
Alice Austin, printmaker and book artist from Philadelphia, has been exploring and making books for over 25 years. She has been a visiting artist at the American Academy in Rome, a guest of the Emily Harvey Foundation in Venice, and a fellow of The Ballinglen Arts Foundation, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Her artist books are in many collections, including: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City; the Tate Gallery, London; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and the Library of Congress, Washington, DC
This exhibition includes work that has been influenced by the artist’s time spent in North Mayo whilst on residency at the Ballinglen Arts Foundation in Ballycastle. She first came on residency with Ballinglen Arts Foundation in 2014. Her residency experience has shaped her artistic style and has allowed her to tap into the rich cultural heritage of Mayo. The stories of local people, the legends and history of the land have all found their way into her work.
The Ballinglen Gallery will be exhibiting Sculptural Artist Books: Mapping Place throughout the month of May with the official opening scheduled for Mayo Day. At the opening event Alice will speak about the impact that her time spent in North Mayo has had on her work. During her talk, Alice will pay homage to our region – its land, its people and how her work captures the essence of County Mayo’s unique spirit.
The exhibition will be open to view from 1pm, with refreshments served.
Available throughout the day will be an activity workbook for children as part of a project funded by the Heritage Council. Any children visiting the exhibition on Mayo Day will be given a workbook to explore themes, concepts and the artworks.