Ennistymon

12 January 2013 - 01 February 2013

CIRCUS EUROPE is an exhibition of collages by Machteld van Buren (the Netherlands) with readings & book launch, a panel discussion and official exhibition launch. Hardly a day goes by without a news report on the European Union. The once so applauded opening of the borders between member states is currently under attack: aren't we making it far too easy for criminals and illegal migrants to move freely between countries? And didn't we rush headlong into a common currency without stopping to consider the consequences? Meanwhile, we have come to realize that some of the members are unable to meet the EU's financial obligations. The uncertainties in Europe today sparked the series of works titled 'Circus Europe', which were created by Machteld van Buren in 2012. These eight large collages illustrate how the struggle for survival is being waged various European countries. Each country is depicted as an animal: the body consists of a map onto which the realistic head of an animal has been superimposed. The collages are to be exhibited in both Ireland and the Netherlands, four Irish and four Dutch poets will be asked to take part in the project. They will be instructed to write a poem about one of the collages, making sure to include an image of Europe's future. Rather than leaving it to politicians to define the Europe of today and tomorrow, it would be good to have artists depict it as well. Given the tone of the debate, alternatives with a playful or visionary element might actually be quite useful. So let the fun begin: 'Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Circus Europe!' Peter van Lier, poet (translated by Susan Massotty)

Telephone:+353 (0)65 707 1630

Email: ennistymoncourthousegallery@gmail.com

Website: ennistymoncourthousegallery.blogspot.ie

Address: The Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon, Co Clare