Acclaimed Longford-based artist launches thought-provoking exhibition ‘Berehynia’

Berehynia' is a thought-provoking and visually striking exhibition by acclaimed Longford-based artist Gordon Farrell which was officially launched by Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Garry Murtagh in The Atrium at Áras an Chontae.

Hosted by Longford County Council's Arts Office, 'Berehynia' marks a significant cultural moment for the county, celebrating contemporary visual art while reflecting on the evolving multicultural identity of modern Ireland.

The exhibition explores themes drawn from both Ukrainian and Irish mythology, responding to ancient and contemporary cultural histories through the innovative use of found materials.

The title 'Berehynia' references a protective female spirit in Ukrainian folklore, symbolising guardianship and resilience - themes that resonate strongly in the current social landscape.

Artist Gordon Farrell said, "There is a multicultural shift in Longford in recent years that I have focused on.

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There is a dual focus to the work that explores both Ukrainian and Irish mythology. The exhibition responds to cultural histories - both ancient and contemporary - and to the stories that materials themselves can carry."

A graduate of the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology (IADT), Gordon has exhibited extensively in Ireland and abroad.

Working between Longford and Balbriggan, he has long been a driving force in the region's artistic community, co-founding Engage Longford and contributing to numerous cultural initiatives that position Longford as a vibrant hub for contemporary art.

Interested in mythology and history, Gordon is inspired by the works of Marcel Duchamp, who founded the ‘Dada Movement’ in the turn of the last century, looking for found objects that he referred to as “Readymades”.

Rather than a painting, Duchamp would use an object as an artwork. There are many other influences.

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The American Expressionism Movement had Robert Rauchenberg, who mixed materials that he called “combines”.

The third was Anselm Kiefer, who introduced Gordon to scale. Materials, mythology and history and three components that Gordon sticks to with his art.

Gordon explained, “I’ve two approaches to medium. The first is from literature. If I read something, I read it until the story becomes an image. I find the materials and make an image.

“Then there is material first; I see an object and it speaks to me.

A friend, David Newton–his philosophy is you get one object, add it to another and get a new one. I could be in a market, pass a skip, jump in and out.

“That’s where material comes in. Most of my ideas are through literature. I stick to medium-to-small sculptures of found objects.”

Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "Longford County Council is deeply committed to supporting the arts and fostering cultural dialogue within our community. 'Berehynia' is a powerful reflection of the diversity and creativity that enriches our county.

"We are proud to support Gordon Farrell's work and to host this important exhibition in Áras an Chontae.”

'Berehynia' is open from Monday to Friday during normal county council office hours.

The April May edition of Longford Life Magazine features an interview with artist Gordon Farrell.