Book Launch: Orla Whelan ‘Matter Mammal Oil Soar’

This event will include a screening of a specially produced In Conversation between Orla Whelan & Harlan Lowe. The film will last 25 minutes and will be followed by a live, open discussion with the artist/author answering questions.

Subverting the traditional format of an In Conversation which is usually held between artist and art critic, Whelan plays the role of both interviewer and interviewee in an informative, self-reflexive and at times humorous interview, entirely in keeping with the spirit of the book being discussed.

Matter Mammal Oil Soar is an experiment in art writing which explores the work of visual artist Orla Whelan. Playfully subverting conventions of art criticism, this publication reimagines notions of authorship, advocacy and agency, giving critical voice to the artist while painting a fuller picture of what is at play within an art practice, an exhibition and a body of work. With an essay by Noah Lawler and contributions from Dr. Rowena Hall and Lorna Whale, each text offers alternative insights into themes that inform Whelan's work, while considering what can be said about painting, colour and the transcendent potential of art.

This event takes place as part of Dublin Art Book Fair 2021: Manual, sponsored by Henry J Lyons and supported by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.