Derval Dunford: Photo by Alison Laredo Ancient wisdom through modern tech in the world’s first audio-visual interactive art, breath and Gaeilge exhibition!
Derval Dunford’s creative exploration was inspired by Irish philosopher John Moriarty and Author Manchán Mangan. It is dedicated to Derval’s late brother, artist and author Steve Dunford.
In this, her first solo exhibition Derval Dunford offers what Irish author ManchánMangan calls ‘a sudden spailp (spark/ surprise kiss) of insight.’ The unique Land and Language exhibition was first exhibitied in the Town Hall Theatre, Westport. Musician and environmental enhancement advocate Sharon Shannon and Freda Hatton, Driector of Translation at NUI Maynooth opened the exhibition.
Derval connects nature and inner nature using breath as the bridge. Visitors to the exhibition get to feel the essence of land and language through associated guided mini breath practices, novel Irish words and ink images.
Derval who has trained with and now works with world renowned global breathwork teachers considers breath to be a language. Her interesting mix of ancient languages (Gaeilge and breath), modern technology and visual art is a novel and nourishing journey for the spirit. It is an engaging exploration to learn how to use your daily quota of 25,000 breaths wisely.
Land and Language/Talamh agusTeanga is an internal and external environmental enhancement initiative. It creates awareness, and in a simple embodied way to enhance participant’s relationship with land and language through breath.
Stephen McHale, Derval Dunford, Artist, Sharon Shannon, Freda Nic Giolla Chatháin. Photo by Michael Gannon
The hope is to counter the fear and anxiety that is consistently raised by media reports about climate breakdown, land degradation, social injustice and species collapse. Almost everything we hear or read about climate change in the media is fear-based. There is a sense of intersecting emergencies, and action does needs to be taken. However in an emergency one needs to remain calm and connected to function optimally and wisely. Too much climate anxiety can overwhelm and paralyze, as a result this can lead to apathy and inaction.
Alternatively, when people feel a connection, a desire that comes from the heart, they can care more and have a desire to do something to help people and places and future generations.
Bonus: send a virtual breath to a friend
This breath-based audio-visual exhibition is also available to interact with online, one suitable image and associated guided audio can be chosen and a link send to a friend. https://www.sui.ie/land-and-language-talamh-agus-teanga-exhibition
Many thanks to Creative Ireland Mayo for funding this project.
2025 Exhibitions: Books@One Louisburg, Co.Mayo opening Sat April 26th 2025 @ 7.30pm
Commenara National Park, Galway 1st – 12th Sept 2025
