Artist talk: Declaration of the Former State Metropolis at Tara

Artist talk: Declaration of the Former State Metropolis at Tara.

Thursday 14th November, 6 pm

To coincide with her current solo exhibition at Pallas Projects/Studios ‘Declaration of the State Metropolis at Tara’ the artist Doireann Ni Ghrioghair shares her research on this exciting project.

The artist will discuss the article “Maoidheamh ar Árd-Chathair Stáit i dTeamhair” (Declaration for the State Metropolis at Tara) that inspired the work in the exhibition, as well as her research around Ailtirí na hAiséirghe (Architects of the Resurrection) and the architect, Daithí Hanly. She will also discuss her ideas in designing the sculptures, the architecture that influenced the designs, as well giving an insight into her process of digital 3D modelling and 3D printing.

Refreshments will be provided in the gallery space & visitors can enjoy a late view of the exhibition.

“There is many a country that has decided to establish a capital city with grandeur, efficiency and unity of the central government. In ancient times, urban planning was pursued in Egypt, in a large number of cities in China, Greece and Rome. There are examples of this today in Washington, New Delhi, Ankara and Canberra.There is no need to tell why the location of Tara is suitable from the historical point of view. But there are many other recommendations, which make it suitable as the Capital of Ireland. It is in the centre of the country (25 miles from Dublin; Belfast, 78; Derry, 127; Limerick, 99; Tralee, 159; Sligo, 106; Athlone, 72; Kilkenny, 94). It would satisfy the people of Belfast, who have a congenital hatred of Dublin, as a city of conflict and not only as a capital: it would break the alien influence of the people of Rathmines, Rathgar and the Royal Irish Academy on the persons of the Government of Ireland. Therefore, it would not be too far “at all”, from Dublin, and it would not oblige all the officials of the Government to be brought from Dublin nor from Belfast. The new city of Tara would not be removed from rural life, as is Dublin, and it would be a clear sign that we have left for good, the old-bad-days that we have had during the seven centuries, during which we were under the heavy yoke of England; may it be our intention, sincerely, to build a new epoch in Ireland for ourselves.”

—Daithí Ó hÁinle, extract from “Maoidheamh ar Árd-Cathair Stáit I dTeamhair”, Áiserighe 1942 - published by Ailtirí na hAiséirghe, translated by Paddy Greer

Part of the exhibition: Doireann Ní Ghrioghair—Declaration of the State Metropolis at Tara