Art & Culture

Eimear Walshe’s New Exhibition “Mixed Messages from the Irish Republic”

10 March

This spring, Chapter Arts Centre is set to host an incredible solo exhibition by acclaimed Irish artist Eimear Walshe titled “Mixed Messages from the Irish Republic,” this exhibition will run from March 1 to May 25, 2025, offering an unfiltered look at Ireland’s complex history through video and sculpture.

For Walshe, this exhibition marks a milestone—it’s their first UK solo show, featuring both new and existing works, including the highly praised Romantic Ireland, first presented at the 2024 Venice Biennale of Art. Expect a gripping journey into Ireland’s deep-rooted struggles with colonial legacies, rebellion, revolution, and unfulfilled promises.

Through community-driven storytelling and playful reinterpretations of popular culture, Walshe dissects critical issues such as housing precarity, sexual politics, and property ownership. Their work challenges conventional narratives by incorporating elements from infomercials, soap operas, and everyday interactions, making complex socio-political themes relatable and engaging.

In Walshe’s own words:

“There’s so much to learn between us close neighbours in terms of language, culture and history. This show is an attempt to transmit across the water a message from and about Ireland—about the betrayal of high ideals, the playing of both sides, devotion and disappointment, and revolutions unfinished.”

Key Works to Watch Out For

Romantic Ireland (2024): A three-channel video installation that narrates themes of complicity, disavowal, and betrayal. Set amidst the backdrop of an unfinished house build, the film features an evocative opera composed by Amanda Feery, with a libretto by Walshe, portraying the grim reality of eviction.
The Land Question: Where the F* am I Supposed to Have Sex? (2020): A sharp-witted critique on how land politics intertwine with personal relationships and desires. Walshe takes on the role of a TV presenter, delivering thought-provoking insights with dark humour.
Land Cruiser (2022): A road trip across the Irish housing crisis, narrated by two protagonists who meet in unexpected circumstances, offering an unsettling yet poetic perspective on Ireland’s long-standing land disputes.
Free State Pangs (2025): Walshe’s newest work, set between Ulster and Connacht, exploring the entanglement of Irish bureaucracy and folklore.

The exhibition kicked off with an amazing opening event on February 28. The evening began with a free exhibition preview from 6–8pm, followed by an exciting Irish-themed party, curated by Walshe and featuring live performances from:

Dylan Kerr – Experimental vocalist and composer
Róis – Multi-instrumentalist blending folk, jazz, and electronic sounds
Seamas Hyland – Accordionist and composer creating immersive soundscapes
Know Yourself – A unique radio project by Irish-Lebanese artist Colm Keady-Tabba

Meet the Artist: Eimear Walshe

Born in Longford, Ireland (1992), Walshe is an artist whose work explains the legacy of land contestation in Ireland, examining its impact on private property, sexual conservatism, and the built environment. Their work has been exhibited at Van Abbemuseum, EVA International, the National Sculpture Factory, and Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, with collections held by the Arts Council of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Now, if you plan to visit the exhibition:

Exhibition Dates: March 1 – May 25, 2025
Venue: Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Event Info & Tickets: chapter.org
Social Media: Follow Chapter on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok for updates.