Hands Were in the Life Area

Wicklow County Visual Artist in Residence since 2008, this exhibition represented the culmination of Dominic Thorpe’s residency. Initiated by the County Wicklow Arts Office, Dominic Thorpe has been immersing himself in farming communities of Wicklow since early 2009. Dominic’s interest in current Irish farming practices extends to wider social concerns, particularly in the context of the decreasing number of small farms across Ireland.

As a direct response to his personal and physical experiences of the residency, Dominic Thorpe presented new work in video, audio and photography as well as documentation of a performance he made in December 2009 at The Court House Arts Centre in Tinahely as part of the residency. The exhibition was accompanied by a commissioned essay by Jenny Haughton.