Michael Minnis & Áine Nic Giolla Coda
b. 1964 & 1964, Ireland
Neighbours developed out of a curiosity about four empty alcoves on the outer walls of the Georgian buildings on John’s Square. We became interested in activating these vacant spaces. The work progressed around an inquiry into the social fabric of the square as well as its architectural and historical character. We invited four of the square’s residents, from a variety of professions, to come together and participate in a photo-shoot. The photographic figures were placed in a series of lightboxes, which were specially made to fit into the curved alcoves of the square. As a result, the residents have come to occupy the square in a more obvious and dramatic way, ‘coming to light’ within the square. The choice of residents was governed by factors such as the visual impact of the photographs, and the fact that the uniforms of the butcher and chemist referenced historical statuary. The collaboration with residents was as much a part of the work as the end result.
(Text: give(a)way catalogue, 2006)
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