‘I wanted another way for people to get into the poems'

Brian O'Loughlin

Published: Tue 26 Mar 2019, 10:51 AM

Last updated: Tue 26 Mar 2019, 11:00 AM

An exhibition by a writer who “wanted another way for people to get into the poems” is on display at the Atrium in Áras an Chontae this month.

Kevin Dwan’s poetry collection and exhibition ‘Twenty 7’, which visits Mullingar on March 19-29, comprises 20 poems that Kevin wrote between 2009 and 2016, when he was a regular presence on the Dublin spoken word scene,

The collection deals with themes such as love, betrayal and lust, culminating in the realisation that we are all on this journey together.

For the exhibition of his book, Kevin commissioned a collection of prints by Indonesian artist Ian Pasig, which will be on display in the Atrium.

For each poem in the collection, Kevin designed a corresponding illustrative concept, which Ian realised in the form of Manga prints that are featured in the book beside each poem. The end result is an impressive marriage of visual art and words that together complete the work.

Discussing why he decided to add this multi-disciplinary aspect to the collection, Kevin said: “I wanted another way for people to get into the poems. I felt there was a potential to get under the skin of the themes.

“Manga is an enjoyable style – it’s got a magical aspect that I think resonates with a lot of what I talk about in the poems. It seemed a natural partnership.”

Kevin’s book is hand-crafted by Kevin in both softback and hardback versions constructed from plywood, glue and rivets, to reflect his DIY ethic.

Westmeath arts officer, Miriam Mulrennan, is delighted to welcome this mixed art form exhibition to the Atrium. “The pairing of poetry and imagery has a long and fruitful history, and here Kevin’s words and Ian’s Manga prints work in a beautiful and reciprocal way – each art form bring a new understanding and perspective to the other.

“Áras an Chontae is delighted to showcase the works of both of these artists, and we look forward to audience reactions to the work, the Opening Evening for the exhibition is Thursday, March 21, at 6pm in the Atrium.”