Danny McCarthy : Haunted By Silence (Sound Installation)

The sound installation Haunted By Silence stems from hours the artist has spent “just listening” in the church of St Marys Abbey Glencairn, County Waterford. In the evenings when the Abbey Church heating system is turned off the wood in the building begins to contract causing various sounds to occur in different parts of the church. These sounds occur totally at random, sometimes loud and sometimes quiet and coming from so many directions that one is unable to predict when and from where they will occur. Considering it to be the best sound installation he has ever heard McCarthy was in a quandary as to how to replicate something similar in an art gallery context. Using field recordings from Glencairn and other sounds created by the artist in his studio, the installation Haunted By Silence occupies the intimate environment of the vaults at Lavit Gallery. Using the unique architecture of the spaces, and low lighting, sounds are dislocated and sporadic, replicating the phenomenon in the church.

Listening and silence have been at the core of McCarthy’s practice for a long time. His last major show ar the Crawford Gallery Beyond Silence - A Bell Rings In An Empty Sky met with considerable critical success and with this new installation he continues to expand his listening practice and share some his experiences with his audience through the medium of sound art.

Runs 26 June - 20 July 2024 at The VAULTS, LAVIT Gallery, Cork.

Tickets

Free admission, for opening hours visit the Lavit Gallery.