Echoes of Isolation – A Captivating Solo Art Exhibition on Spike Island by Sinéad Barrett

New Exhibition on Spike Island explores themes of isolation in both the historical context and in contemporary society.

Spike Island, known for its haunting past as a convict depot and prison during the 1800s, will serve as the poignant backdrop for Sinéad Barrett’s new solo art exhibition, Echoes of Isolation. This thought-provoking showcase will shed light on the historical context of isolation on Spike Island, while also encouraging contemplation on the profound implications of isolation in today’s society.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted our lives and fractured our sense of connection, the themes of isolation and displacement have become acutely relevant. Echoes of Isolation serves as a timely reminder of the emotional and psychological impact such experiences can have. The exhibition delves into the forgotten voices of Spike Island, exploring the profound repercussions of solitary confinement. It is estimated that nearly 1,200 convicts lost their lives on the island, bearing witness to the immense toll of isolation.

Sinéad Barrett, the talented artist behind Echoes of Isolation, has spent the last six months on a residency programme on Spike Island. The experience has proven to be both deeply rewarding and enlightening, providing an opportunity to immerse herself in the island’s diverse history. Focusing on the period from 1847 to 1883, when Spike Island served as a convict depot and prison, Barrett’s residency culminates in a powerful solo exhibition that captures the essence of isolation.

In anticipation of the launch, Sinéad Barrett shared her enthusiasm, saying, “For the last six months, I have been doing a residency on Spike Island which has been hugely rewarding as well as educational and informative. I have loved spending time on the island wandering through the buildings and the different histories of the Fort and the island. For my residency, I concentrated on the 36 years from 1847-1883 when Spike Island was a convict depot and prison. This residency now culminates in my solo exhibition, Echoes of Isolation”.

Speaking at the launch of Echoes of Isolation on Thursday evening, Spike Island’s museum curator Dorota Gubbins said, “It has been a pleasure to host Sinéad’s residency at Spike Island over the past six months in what is our second collaboration with Sinéad and Sample Studios. This year marks the 140th anniversary of the closing of the Convict Prison in 1883.  The first Victorian convicts arrived in October 1847 at the height of the Great Famine and soon after, Spike Island had become the largest

prison in Britain and Ireland, at one point holding over 2300 convicts.”

Ms. Gubbins continued, “We do not know all their names, but we do hope that this exhibition will give a voice to the voiceless and forgotten as the art has that unique ability to engage with the past.”

Echoes of Isolation will be on display to visitors at the Punishment Block on Spike Island from June 2 to August 31. The exhibition forms an integral part of the Cork Harbour Festival and promises to captivate art enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Curated by Dorota Gubbins of Spike Island, the exhibition promises to offer a unique insight into the forgotten voices of Spike Island’s history.

For more information on the exhibition, see https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/echoes-of-isolation/

To book tickets for a tour of Spike Island, visit https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/