And, If We Observe The Present
Catalyst Gallery
‘Smalltown Joy’ invites the audience to re-imagine a future in which rural Ireland can be a space where queer people can be defiant, joyful and unafraid. Perhaps this is a moment for us to pause and foresee a future in which marginalised members of the LGBTQ+ community can thrive outside of a city. What if the drag shows, dance floors, safe spaces and sense of belonging that make our cities so vibrant were to expand to the rural reaches of Ireland.
Donal Talbot’s photographic installation visualises the potentialities of queer existences in rural spaces. The disco ball, neon signage and luminous golden material allude to the hazy stillness before or after a party takes place.
Harvey Dimond
Perhaps this is a moment for us to pause and foresee a future in which marginalised members of the LGBTQ+ community can thrive outside of a city.
