[de]fragmentation
Exhibition Poster
"(de)fragmentation" is an experimental group show featuring mixed-media female artists, running in Gallery 2 of QSS from March 13th to April 10th, 2025.
Curated by me (Meadhbh McIlgorm), the exhibition explores the review and/or reuse of the varied “stuff” accumulated throughout an artist’s practice. Artists are invited to re-examine and reinterpret past trials, tests, and studies, presenting them in new iterations in response to the theme.
In putting together the exhibition I have asked artists - whose work I admire and relate to, to join me. Through shared time, conversations, and even shared storage space at QSS, I’ve come to know that they, too, are serial ‘keepers of stuff’—artists whose practices fluidly cross mediums and materials.
The concept of defragmentation serves as a metaphor here. In the face of the climate emergency, this theme encourages artists to prioritize revisiting and reusing existing materials over creating new ones, making mindful use of available resources and creating space re-organise thoughts. The curatorial concept is a development for the ‘ReView exhibition and gathering’ project I developed with the Glass Society of Ireland in 2022, creating an exhibition opportunity that attempts to be as regenerative as possible - not asking for more from artists OR from the environment but instead breathing new value into existing work and shaping space for reflection and imagination.
Do visit and form your own ideas about it. Gallery opening hours Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm or by appointment.
An Alternative Gallery Tour & Conversation
Facilitated by curator McIlgorm and invited artist Lian Bell will take place on Tuesday March 25th 5.30pm – 7.30pm as part of the Imagine Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics.
Limited spaces - Book here to come along.
About Lian
Lian Bell is an artist, who also supports other artists and arts workers by designing acts of community. With a background in scenography, cultural project management, and social activism, she has worked over the past 25+ years with some of the most significant arts organisations and contemporary performance makers in Ireland.
Visit lianbell.com for more information.
