Storied Landscapes
Storied Landscapes, photo by Anna King
These compositions are inspired by the West Coast of Ireland’s deeply textured cultural landscape.
The Well Gathering
This composition was funded by Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture. It was a short film, that featured April 2021. www.galway2020.ie The film is no longer available for viewing, but an extract of the video music is below:
Over the last 100 years there has been a profound shift in how people relate to places. In the past nature’s seasonal cycles were a fundamental part of human interaction and survival. Social engagement was situated in 'place' and in 'time'. Conversely, economically driven ‘out of time’ - displaced interactions predominately shape the modern Irish landscape (something that has become even more abstract since the arrival of Covid).
This new series explores the palette of creative ways local communities respond to such change - and the importance of place-making in the community-building puzzle.
The Well of Woodpark, Annaghdown
Up until the early 1980s, it was common in traditional Irish rural society for a Well to be central to survival. It was a place for gathering water and a sacred space for ritual and healing.
From medieval to modern times, a Well carried symbolic importance that extended beyond its location. Its narrative was embedded into everyday language, ceremony and practise - it was a place where people paused to retell stories, share ideas and re-enact communal life. It was part of an intricate web of symbolism, carved out of rock with networks of meaning that acted as valuable sources of emotional support and intergenerational communication.
Original music performed at the well by local musicians: Noelie Mc Donnell and William Merrigan. Photo by Anna King
I hope this beautiful musical piece by the Whileaways gives you an opportunity to reflect upon how these ancient spaces are just as relevant today as they were so many years ago…
MORE TO COME SOON.
Please contact me if you are interested in working on a collaborative project.
William Merrigan. Photo by Anna King
Annaghdown Well.
