The Fairy Frack Clash
2012
An exhibition of ultraviolet paintings depicting fairies and toxic waste. In this body of work Harriet explores the controversial theme of hydraulic fracturing through the whimsical depiction of fairy and land spirits set in a fantasy driven narrative of polluted landscapes, seeking to highlight a very real and current issue that threatens her county. These paintings are created with UV fluorescent paint, a luminous medium that glows under a black light by pigments that respond to light in the ultraviolet segment of the electromagnetic spectrum, conjuring a futuristic aesthetic of biohazardous waters and wastelands.
A Tear for Lir Photographed in Black Light.
Medium: Charcoal, Resin & Acrylic and UV Pigment, on board. Size: 6 x 7 ft Status: SOLD
Troubled Water Nymphs Photographed in black light. Medium: Acrylic and UV Pigment, on canvas. Size: 75 x 30 cm Status: SOLD
Knowledge Photographed in black light. Medium: Charcoal, Resin & Acrylic and UV Pigment, on board. Size: 6 x 3.5 ft Status: SOLD
Panic Photographed in black light. Medium: Charcoal, Resin & Acrylic and UV Pigment, on board. Size: 6 x 3.5 ft Status: Available
Disenchanted Photographed in white light. Medium: Charcoal, Resin & Acrylic and UV Pigment, on board. Size: 5 x 3.5 ft Status: Available
Twin Turmoil Photographed in black light. Medium: watercolour and UV Pigment, on heavy paper. Size: 20 x 40 cm Status: SOLD
Troubled Waters Photographed in black light. Medium: oil, encaustic wax and UV Pigment, on board. Size: 6 x 3.5 ft Status: Available
Disenchanted Photographed in black light. Medium: Charcoal, Resin & Acrylic and UV Pigment, on board. Size: 5 x 3.5 ft Status: Available
Dark Waters Medium: Digital Art Print, created from original sketch printed on phosphorescent coated watercolour paper. Size: up to A2 Status: Prints available on request.
The Exhibition
Harriet’s 2012 solo exhibition, ‘The Fairy Frack Clash’ took place at The Little Green Street Gallery in Dublin and ran from the 19th -24th October 2012.
Here are some photos from the opening reception at the White Lady Art Gallery in Dublin’s Temple Bar:
Original Press Release 2012:
White Lady Art presents
The Fairy Frack Clash
New work by Harriet Myfanwy Nia Tahany
The Little Green Street Gallery Dublin 19th -24th October 2012
Opening Reception Friday the 19th at 7.30pm
The Fairy Frack clash is an exhibition of ultra violet artwork created by award winning artist Harriet Myfanwy Nia Tahany using UV fluorescent paint a luminous medium that glows under a black light by pigments that respond to light in the ultraviolet segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. Harriet is based in rural Leitrim in the north west of Ireland, her new body of work explores the controversial theme of hydraulic fracturing through the whimsical depiction of fairy and land spirits set in a fantasy driven narrative seeking to highlight a very real and current issue that threatens her county. The prospect of the gas industry undergoing a large scale gas extraction project that will irreversibly change the beautiful environment of her county unchanged for hundreds of years. Harriet lives on the mountain top adjacent to Slieve Anierin is one of the best known summits in Leitrim. The peak is commonly known by its Irish name, Sliabh An Iarainn, which translates as ‘the iron mountain’ Guarding the south-eastern shores of Lough Allen.
An ancient Irish legend relates that a fairy folk the Tuatha De Danann landed in Ireland in this very place: “they descended in a thick mist and on discovering iron, forged metal weapons. With their superior armour, they then set to battle and defeated the Formorian tribe at the battle of Magh Tuireadh. Harriets new work embodies a narrative of fairies, water and land spirits facing the dark environmental changes that this proposed gas project brings. Harriet hopes her work will further spread awareness of the gas industries plans.
The extraction process known as fracking leads to water and air pollution on a massive scale and this is not just an issue that will affect the environment in Leitrim, Lough Allen is the first lake on the river Shannon a river that runs through the whole of Ireland! Meaning any water contamination will travel. The gas industries new focus area is the Lough Allen Basin region which is huge includes surrounding areas Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Donegal, Roscommon and Fermanagh.
Globally Fracking is a highly controversial practice and has been banned in some countries including France.
Earlier this year Harriet curated an environmental arts event in her county entitled ‘The Upset’ with work by over 70 artists and contributors in response to these and other current environmental concerns. There will also be a special screening of footage from the event presenting artists talking about their work for ‘The Upset’ and their thoughts on the issue of Hydraulic Fracturing.
Harriet graduated from the University of Ulster in 2009 with a Masters in Fine Art. Harriet has exhibited in Belfast and Sligo this will be her 7th Solo exhibition and first in Dublin.
Sketches
DCCC Video
The Dublin City Community Channel came and filmed Harriet’s October Opening. Here is the TV Clip of the interview, with special thanks to the DCTV:
Fairies and fracking are a combination you don’t often see together and maybe that’s why a clash has ensued! CityWide reporter Susan Jackson talks to Harriet Myfanwy Nia Tahany about her artistic take on the destruction of the mystical landscape of Leitrim, the place she calls home.
Presenter – Susan Jackson, Camera (Interview) Darren Fitzpatrick,
Cutaways & establishing shots – Stravan Laddu, Darren Fitzpatrick, Alan Doran, Susan Jackson,
Editors – Shannon Smith, Killian Vigna, Producer – Susan Jackson, Director – Susan Jackson.