THREADING PLACE

Demographic and social shifts have resulted in a questioning of a rural identity; of how experiences and cultural values are shared, of how attachments between people and place are made.  Threading Place was a site-specific visual-art project. Through the mediums of photography and field recording, it uncovered the varied interpersonal connections that form the backbone of rural communities in Co. Wicklow. Further, it discovered the relationships to place that are vital to their well-being.

The project charts the interpersonal connections that exist in the county: a person was photographed in a location in Wicklow that is important to them. They then nominate a ‘connection’ of theirs, who is subsequently photographed in their chosen special place. A sonic record and interview was also taken at each site. The threads continue and the process repeated, documenting three groups of people, all of whom are connected in different ways.

An exhibition was staged outdoors in three public spaces in Wicklow Town. The exhibition was experienced by walking through the town, discovering the portraits and by listening to a sonic composition at each site.

Given the diversity of the people and places photographed - the aim of the project is to begin a renewed conversation within the locality. Who is in the community? What are their shared values? How would the community encourage and support new connections?

www.threadingplace.ie