FURZE: Fuel, Fodder, Thatch, Tools, Toys

FURZE: Fuel, Fodder, Thatch, Tools, Toys is a new multiform work conceived by Shane Finan encompassing new art works, object making, research, audience engagement and workshops housed in a specially constructed ‘pavilion’ made of furze* boughs in Wicklow’s Uplands.

Furze has long held a particular place of importance in Irish culture. From its use as a protective ward against supernatural mischief makers, as fuel for ritual fires, a material for making tools, and even as fodder for livestock and wattling for thatch roofs, its significance provides the basis for this ambitious new work.

Based at the Furze Pavilion over the weekend of 3-5th July, Finan will share his research into the plant and its importance in Ireland’s rural heritage. He and special guests will lead workshops, display new artwork, and lead talks and tours focused on the use of Furze in rural traditions, interactive contemporary technologies, found objects, intangible cultural heritage and craft.

Produced by Mermaid Arts Centre’s Gallery Programme Curator Anne Mullee. With thanks to Wicklow Arts Office, Wicklow Uplands Council, An Óige and Shane’s many collaborators.

*Furze has many names and is also know as gorse, whins and aiteann (as gaeilge). 

Full programme, location, and details to follow. 

Shane Finan (he/them) assembles artworks and projects from interactive contemporary technologies, found objects, and traditional artistic media. Their work is as both artist and creative producer on collaborative projects. It is research based and explores the impact of technologies on rural places.

Shane always collaborates, most recently working with and learning from artists, crustose lichen, environmental scientists, aiteann, beetles and fungi. In their practice, Shane develops collaborative projects with artists, researchers, and other partners. This has included establishing and co-running the collective artist workspace and community space ^ in Manorhamilton (2022-present), where they coordinate collaborative artistic research projects. They co-founded 'Levels of Compromise' in 2024, a nationwide collective of artists who work with critical technologies.

Recent awards include the Arts Council of Ireland Individual Bursary Award (2023), Artists Workspace Scheme (2024, 2023, 2022), Agility Award (2022, 2021, 2020). Other awards include Creative Ireland (2024, 2020), Culture Ireland (2021, 2018), Wicklow Arts Office Strategic Projects Award (2023, 2022) and Individual Artist Bursary (2021), Leitrim Arts Office Collective and Individual Artist Bursary (2024, 2023, 2021) and artist-in-residence from the Irish Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media: Decade of Centenaries (2022).

Furze: Fuel, Fodder, Thatch, Tools, Toys is funded by The Arts Council and supported by Wicklow County Arts Office through the annual Strategic Project Award Scheme.