Exhibition inspired by the writing of Flann O’Brien
An exciting exhibition of artwork led by former Lecturer in Fine Art at LYIT, Eddie O’Kane, and supported by LYIT’s Department of Electronic & Mechanical Engineering is currently taking place at The Alley Arts and Conference Centre, Strabane.
The exhibition titled “The Ever Widening Spiral” is inspired by the writing of Flann O’Brien with reference to “The Third Policeman”. New artwork in this exhibition involves the use of 3D printing and 3D scanning technology to express some of O’Brien’s scientific theories. This is a new departure for artistic practice in the North West of Ireland.
The exhibition comprises a wide range of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, film and animation by the artists Eddie, Joanna and David O’Kane. The artists believe that Flann O’Brien’s birthplace, Strabane and Donegal, had a major influence in his writing. Many of the artworks displayed reference these influences. Science is another important influence on his work.
“Flann O’Brien (Brian O’Nolan) had a deep understanding of science and was aware of research in a wide range of ongoing scientific investigations at the time he wrote his most famous novel, The Third Policeman,” explains Eddie. “In that book he invented an imaginary philosopher called de Selby who expresses numerous fantastical ideas. The policemen in the book make strange pronouncements which give the novel much of its humour. Beneath all of these layers is a serious engagement with science.”
“From my time as LYIT’s first Industrial Liaison Officer I understood the importance of interdisciplinary research. When departments brought their different skills and understanding together some of the most exciting discoveries took place. In order for me to create new artworks using cutting edge technology it would necessitate my working with someone with the necessary skillset in engineering. Christopher Roulston, Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, agreed to work with me as my mentor and technical advisor. I successfully proposed the initiative to the Arts Council of Ireland and was given a Training and Development Award. This grant enabled me to acquire the necessary equipment to begin the process and to engage with Christopher as my mentor. A further award from Creative Ireland helped me to increase computing and 3D scanning capabilities. As I outlined my ideas to Christopher, he helped me to understand the limitations and possibilities in the production of the art pieces.”
Talking about the experience Christopher Roulston says: “It’s excellent that this artwork can be brought to life through digital technologies to really engage people of all ages and walks of life. 3D scanning techniques were utilised to capture virtual models of artefacts from the novel; we then used digital design tools to develop the artistic concepts and 3D print physical pieces to bring the models to life. The Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) programmes in Mechanical Engineering at LYIT places important emphasis on technologies such as 3D scanning, 3D printing and the latest CAD/CAM software; however, this exciting project demonstrates that these digital 3D technologies are not only useful engineering tools but also have wide ranging uses including artistic and cultural heritage applications.”
This exhibition is part of a series of exhibitions which includes venues such as Salzburg University, Burns Library, Boston College, USA, Irish Embassy, Berlin and Boston College Headquarters, Dublin.