Exhibition Dates: 5th - 22nd June

Opening Reception: 6:00-9:00pm Thursday 6th June

Community Discussion: “Providing A Voice” 12:00pm Friday 7th June

Curator: Rian Kerrane, rian.kerrane@gmail.com

Co-Curator: Rebecca Vaughan, rvaughanart@gmail.com

Thus Far refers to this moment in time, and all that has led up to the present. It is a moment for reflection, and the present point in a story, or the pause between one breath and the next. It is the time for consideration of a future that starts now. The Artnauts' mission is one of community, connection, and engagement; these exhibitions and events are designed to generate discussion about the common experiences that we share with our hosts.

Coordinating events include Social Sculptures: For 28 years, the Artnauts have practiced what artist Joseph Beuys calls Social Sculptures, which are performative engagements with the host communities. The Artnauts will perform several actions in Northern Ireland: George Rivera’s “2 Stickers Social Sculpture”, Rian Kerrane’s “Pointing the Finger” and “Hitch Hiking Across the Border”, Rebecca Vaughan’s “The Honeyguide”, and Melissa Furness’ “Breaking Bread”. Please see the schedule attached and check each venue’s listings for times and locations.

Why Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland, founded through a negotiated agreement in 1921, is a small province that has been decimated by atrocities and murder. This makes the story of how the conflict moved from a point of abject darkness- finally boiling over during The Troubles in the 1960’s and 70’s- to the possibility of peace today even more remarkable. Today’s Northern Ireland operates under the Good Friday Agreement voted upon in 1998 and negotiates the recent complexity of Brexit (the UK withdrawal from the European Union) stimulating fresh discussion and contention of its borders.

UV Arts and Platform Arts Belfast engage closely with their communities and are welcome hosts for this curated exhibition, Thus Far, permitting the Artnauts’ voices to contribute to daily life in a contemporary Northern Ireland.