LCGA Exhibitions 2022

CUMANN: AN AUDIO MAP OF LIMERICK

by Michael McLoughlin in collaboration with local groups and networks

Over the last number of months, artist Michael McLoughlin has recorded audio conversations and connections between people in the city, representing society in its broadest sense. This artwork acknowledges friendships, bonds and connections between communities of interest in Limerick, within its surroundings and explores the potential relationships between them.

Michael McLoughlin makes soundwork, drawings, sculptural objects, video and installations. Cumann: An Audio map of Limerick is a series of multi-channel spatial sound installations and drawings in Limerick City Gallery of Art central to which is a 91 channel sound work in the South Gallery creating a forest of suspended speakers that accurately map and recreate stories and conversations by groups of people from all over Limerick.

McLoughlin has made recordings with a wide variety of groups including; Adapt House, Landsdowne Active Retirement Group, Limerick Roller Derby, The Social Democrats, Limerick LGBT, St Mary’s Park Men’s Shed, Contact Studios, Ormston House and  Shannon Rowing Club

McLoughlin describes what he does as audio cartography. It’s a process of mapping the sonic space that conversations occupy, so they can be recreated during this exhibition, in 5 years time, or in 20 years time. Fittingly, after the exhibition in Limerick, the Cumann recordings will form part of the Permanent Collection at Limerick City Gallery of Art.

A recurring consideration in McLoughlin’s work over the last 20 years has been a focus on what brings groups of people together, what is the connection that drives them, where does the balance between personal relationships, friendships, ideas, ideals or common goals lie?  What is the actual common bond? He has simultaneously explored the counterpoint to this; the recurring displacements, the marginalisation, the otherness experienced within Irish society in particular. 

McLoughlin was UCD College of Social Science & Law Artist in Residence in 2015, where he has begun a critical social and institutional analysis of ethics, art-making and knowledge production in the contexts of participatory arts practice.  This year he has made site specific audio work in Drogheda (Cumann, Droichead Art Centre, & as part of Beyond the Pale, Highlanes) and in Dublin (Rest Here, UCD Sutherland School of Law & Ocean Wonder Resort Revelations, Portrane). His artists book of drawings, I am here because I know you will be too was published by Dublin City Council in 2014. Michael McLoughlin has exhibited widely in Ireland and internationally. Previous work includes: It’s nice to see our friends once in a while, The LAB 2010; I only come here cos it’s free, Limerick City Gallery of Art 2008. Welcome Back, Breaking Ground, Ballymun 2006-2007; Audience (1) Waltzers with Mary Nunan, various venues 2007-2008; Bypass/Shared Designs Limerick City Gallery of Art, 2003.