As the spring sun made its appearance in Ireland, the team at Void joined artist Stéphane V Bottéro for a week researching local forests, learning about those advocating for our local green spaces and ancient woodlands. Throughout the week we visited small, young forests, ancient woodlands and sites that encourage inter-generational use of our surrounding environment. We learnt about the importance of flora and hedgerows in woodland floors, activists engaged in advocacy for our local woodland and the developmental pressure facing these sites, permaculture tools for more sustainable living and economies, the multitude of ways we can develop learning and play within forest sites, and folklore and writing associated with rural, Irish living. We also heard from producer and researcher Chris Fremantle during a thought-provoking talk about artistic projects in relation to forests.
With thanks to all those who shared so generously with us, including those who led field trips – Kathryn and Roy Nelson, Rachel Duffy, George McLaughlin and Phillip Allen. We’re excited to continue the conversations on the journey ahead.
This research week forms part of the project The Wishing Forest, initiated by Stéphane V Bottéro. The project, which is intended to be long term, is just at it’s starting point, with research from field trips and meetings forming part of an initial presentation at Void Art Centre.
This presentation opens on Saturday 26 April 2025, from 6-8pm.
Main image: George McLaughlin overlooking the fields at Prehen Woods. Photo by Sinéad Feeney, Void.
Image: Void Art Centre team with Stéphane, Kathryn and Roy Nelson in Killymuck. Photo by Shakira Nelis, Void.
