AHEAD of Thursday 10’s gathering for professional preview at Limerick City Gallery of Art for EVA International, curator Bassam El Baroni continues to work off half a dozen sites for 56 artists of 40 odd nationalities.
At his side is EVA (exhibition of visual + art) director Woodrow Kernohan. All around is the hum and hammer of artists/ technicians grinding the gallery at Pery Square to accommodate works.
“Thanks to City of Culture, this year’s is probably our biggest ever,” confirms Kernohan. “Even though there are fewer sites – Golden Vale creamery, The Hunt Museum, Bourn Vincent UL, Limerick Greyhound Stadium [and gallery] – we have seven warehouses within Golden Vale alone.
“A monumental video installation is going in for which we have to build all the stations that contain the projects, including entrances and exits”.
Works by 32 artists will operate at this O’Callaghan Strand curiosity, made possible by Kerry Group and City of Culture backing.
All rueful smiles, he and El Baroni agree the nub is “challenges”, not “problems” to reel it all in.
Up to 30 participating artists will attend the launch days, Saturday 12 being open to public and participants. This is a five stage journey encompassing each venue hourly from Bourn Vincent Gallery at 4pm, to finish at Daghdha Space, John’s Square at 9pm. Angolan performance artist Nastio Mosquito will entertain there to cap this marathon launch.
“This is my eight time here in Limerick,” confirms Bassom El Baroni, explaining that the venue choices were pinned initially to connections with the Limerick Soviet.
“Humbert Velez’ is the only project at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. He’s involved with all the people in greyhound racing, the breeders, the owners, the marching bands. This is a large scale event taking place on Saturday 12 with the first ever EVA International Cup race being the last one on the night”.
Designed to embrace our racing culture, the night at the dogs opens at 6.45pm. All are welcome to “this public participative” gig at the Dock Road Stadium on April 12 with discounted tickets selling through ww.eva.ie site.
The race night will finalise with the Panamanian Velez’ direction of CBS Marching band and Munster Supporters Choir.
EVA International? It rocks until July 12.
