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Kathrine Geoghegan

Shifting Sands… a Startling Evolution

September – October 2020

A DUAL VENUE EXHIBITION

VENUE 1 DUBLIN: Associated Rewinds, Tallaght Business Park, Dublin D24 E932

An exhibition of new works will be opened by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Biologist, Environmentalist and Broadcaster 12th September 2020 at 3pm. Continues at the Dublin venue from 15th Sept to 26th September, 11am – 4pm Tuesday – Saturday

VENUE 2 KILCOCK: Kilcock Art Gallery, School Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare, W23 E5R5

The exhibition continues from October 1st to 31st 11am – 4pm Wednesdays to Saturdays

This new work explores the North Bull Island’s different habitats and follows the life of mud flats, salt marshes and dunes throughout the seasons. The North Bull Island, delivered by human intervention and reclaimed by nature: The island has developed from its embryonic beginnings 200 years ago to become a biosphere of important habitats, and a unique treasure of plants and wildlife within our capital city of Dublin.

Further details:

Kilcock Art Gallery +353 1 6287619 / +353 862578283      Email:info@kilcockartgallery.ie

Artists Statement

“Shifting Sands … a Startling Evolution”

The North Bull Island is a sand spit in Dublin Bay, five kilometres long and 800 metres wide … and growing.  Its beginnings can be traced back to human intervention when works were carried out to prevent silting of the harbour. Nature claimed its stake on the island, and from its embryonic beginnings 200 years ago, it has gradually developed into an important biosphere of habitats within our capital city.

Bull Island is a unique treasure for plants, animals, birds, and insects. The island hosts many migratory birds who winter here from as far north as the arctic circle. Others arrive in early Summer from warmer climates.  I have walked the island, exploring these different habitats through Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, following the life of mud flats, dune complexes, saltwater marshes, freshwater marshes, and grassland dunes.

I have observed the resilient plants of the mud flats that are washed twice daily with salt water, the sturdy plants of the salt marshes that provide roosting sites for the many bird species.

The beauty of the grassland dunes in summertime, and the delicate orchids of the freshwater marshes nestling in the dips between dunes that trap rainwater and allow these special plants to thrive.

I have walked the island at low tide in winter and observed many bird species, collecting feathers of Brent Geese, Curlew, and others.

Exploring the long sandy beach, I have seen a variety of seaweeds washed in on the tide.

Dublin Bay has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and the North Bull Island has many more designations – more than any other site in Ireland.

The island is truly unique, and we should do everything in our power to conserve this special place.

BULL ISLAND TANGLE

The mysterious world that lies beneath the waves, swaying, pulsating fronds of Kelp and Bladderwrack

  • Dimensions: 91.5 x 183.5 cm (36 x 72.2 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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END OF THE DAY, GRASSLAND DUNES

At this time of year the grassland dunes of the North Bull Island are a riot of colour

  • Dimensions: 70 x 114 cm
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
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BULL ISLAND TANGLE II

Kelp and Bladderwrack glisten in the light penetrating from the water’s surface.

  • Dimensions: 60 x 60 cm (23.6 x 23.6 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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GRASSLAND DUNE COLONISER

Often seen on railway banks, Valerian, a brilliant opportunist has colonised parts of the grassland dunes.

  • Dimensions: 60 x 60 cm (23.6 x 23.6 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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LATE SUMMER ON THE GRASSLAND DUNES

Knapweed can be found on the grassland dunes, often with foraging bumble bees.

  • Dimensions: 60 x 60 cm (23.6 x 23.6 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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CAUSEWAY PATH

Umbellifers line the footpaths along the causeway, displaying their white disc-shaped flower heads.

  • Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm (27.6 x 19.7 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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DUNELANDS

Spiky tufts of Marram Grass stabilise the sand dunes, allowing them to grow and expand.

  • Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm (27.6 x 19.7 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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HIGH SUMMER ON THE GRASSLAND DUNES

A riot of colour can be seen during the summer months – Purple Toadflax, Giant Willowherb and Cat’s Ear all competing for pollinators’ attention.

  • Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm (27.6 x 19.7 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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LABYRINTH

Elongated strands of Thong-weed whirling in the ebbing tide.

  • Dimensions: 50 x 70 cm (19.7 x 27.6 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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SWIRL

Anchored Thong-weed and Bladder Wrack shimmer under the surface

  • Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm (27.6 x 19.7 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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CAUSEWAY PATH

Yarrow and Purple Toadflax line the path along the causeway in the evening sun, both important plants for bees, butterflies and other insects.

  • Dimensions: 50 x 50 cm (19.7 x 19.7 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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MALLOW

An opportunist, Mallow has colonised areas of the grassland dunes, and is a magnet for bees.

  • Dimensions: 50 x 50 cm (19.7 x 19.7 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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CORNUCOPIA

On the borders of grassland dunes and sand dunes, hardy Ragwort and Wild Carrot abound.

  • Dimensions: 50 x 40 cm (19.7 x 15.7 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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FOLLOW THE WINTER SUN

In the depths of January, fragrant Winter Heliotrope flowers. Although somewhat invasive, this clever plant follows the weak winter sun from the East in the morning to the West in the evening, getting the most from the light, and supporting early emerging pollinators.

  • Dimensions: 35 x 50 cm (13.8 x 19.7 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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HIDDEN DIP, FRESHWATER MARSH

The Freshwater marshes of Bull Island are formed among dunes in dips where rainwater gathers. A surprising variety of plants can be found, plants you might see in a wildflower meadow, from rare orchids to Water Mint. This painting describes Self Heal, Silverweed and Water Mint.

  • Dimensions: 40 x 30 cm (15.7 x 11.8 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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QUEEN ANNE’S LACE II

Wild Carrot also known as Queen Anne’s Lace because of its feathery leaves and delicate bracts. It grows on the grassland dunes and on the edges of the sand dunes.

  • Dimensions: 40 x 30 cm (15.7 x 11.8 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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SALT MARSH PINKS II

Sea Pink or Thrift grows along the edges of the salt marshes, putting down a spongy carpet, and helping to form this important habitat for birds.

  • Dimensions: 30 x 39 cm (11.8 x 15.4 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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SELF HEAL

This plant can be found in the freshwater marshes of Bull Island, where dips in the dunes have allowed rainwater to accumulate and form this habitat.

  • Dimensions: 40 x 30 cm (15.7 x 11.8 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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SUBMERGED JUNGLE

An underwater jungle, Bladder Wrack swirls and sways under the water’s surface.

  • Dimensions: 28 x 40 cm (11 x 15.7 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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LADY’S BEDSTRAW

Found on the grassland dunes, this plant was used in the to fill mattresses in years gone by.

  • Dimensions: 30 x 30 cm (11.8 x 11.8 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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SALT MARSH COLONISERS

This painting describes some of the plants that are seminal in formation of Salt Marshes – Sea Aster, Sea Plantain and Glasswort.

  • Dimensions: 30 x 30 cm (11.8 x 11.8 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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WINDBREAKER

Spiky tufts of Marram Grass stabilise the sand dunes, allowing them to grow, and for other species to colonise them.

  • Dimensions: 71 x 34 cm (28 x 13.4 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on aluminium
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FIELD BINDWEED

This pretty plant can be seen sprawling over the grassland around the roundabout at the bottom of the causeway.

  • Dimensions: 31 x 71 cm (12.2 x 28 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
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RED CLOVER

Red Clover belongs to the pea family.  It takes nitrogen from the air and fixes it into the soil, benefiting other plants.

  • Dimensions: 35 x 35 cm (13.8 x 13.8 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
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QUEEN ANNE’S LACE I

Wild Carrot also known as Queen Anne’s Lace because of its feathery leaves and delicate bracts. It grows on the grassland dunes and on the edges of the sand dunes.

  • Dimensions: 31.5 x 28 cm (12.4 x 11 inches)
  • Medium: Mixed media on paper
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SALT MARSH PINKS I

Sea Pinks or Thrift grow along the edges of salt marshes, putting down a spongy carpet, and helping to form this important habitat.

  • Dimensions: 34 x 34.5 cm (13.4 x 13.6 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
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ANCHORS OF THE SALT MARSH

This painting describes plants that are seminal in the formation of salt marshes. They tolerate being washed with salt water, and by trapping sediment, creating an important habitat for migrating birds.

  • Dimensions: 28 x 31.5 cm (11 x 12.4 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
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HARE’S FOOT CLOVER I

This delicate downy flower, a member of the pea family, fixes nitrogen into the soil, allowing other species to thrive.

  • Dimensions: 27 x 23 cm (10.6 x 9.1 inches)
  • Medium: Mixed media on paper
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SEA CAMPION

The contrast between the delicate white petals and the beautiful red/brown marking of its sepal, this plant is rare on the island.

  • Dimensions: 24 x 18 cm (9.4 x 7.1 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
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SAND PANSIES

These tiny pansies can be found in the fresh water marshes and borders of the dunes.

  • Dimensions: 14 x 23 cm (5.5 x 9.1 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
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HARE’S FOOT CLOVER II

These delicate downy flowers are a member of the pea family. They fix nitrogen into the soil, making it possible for other species to grow and thrive.

  • Dimensions: 18 x 18 cm (7.1 x 7.1 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
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HARE’S FOOT CLOVER III

These delicate downy flowers are a member of the pea family. They fix nitrogen into the soil, making it possible for other species to grow and thrive.

  • Dimensions: 18 x 18 cm (7.1 x 7.1 inches)
  • Medium: Acrylic on paper
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PYRAMIDAL ORCHIDS I

The fresh water marshes abound with orchids throughout the summer. These plants rely not only on the right soil, but need to join forces with a fungus to grow. They often wait many years to emerge and flower.

  • Dimensions: 38 x 24.5 cm (15 x 9.6 inches)
  • Medium: Paper
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PYRAMIDAL ORCHIDS II

The fresh water marshes abound with orchids throughout the summer. These plants rely not only on the right soil, but need to join forces with a fungus to grow. They often wait many years to emerge and flower.

  • Dimensions: 38 x 24.5 cm (15 x 9.6 inches)
  • Medium: Paper
More Information

PYRAMIDAL ORCHIDS III

The fresh water marshes abound with orchids throughout the summer. These plants rely not only on the right soil, but need to join forces with a fungus to grow. They often wait many years to emerge and flower.

  • Dimensions: 38 x 24.5 cm (15 x 9.6 inches)
  • Medium: Paper
More Information

PYRAMIDAL ORCHIDS IV

The fresh water marshes abound with orchids throughout the summer. These plants rely not only on the right soil, but need to join forces with a fungus to grow. They often wait many years to emerge and flower.

  • Dimensions: 38 x 24.5 cm (15 x 9.6 inches)
  • Medium: Paper
More Information

BRENT GOOSE FEATHERS

The delicate breast feathers of the Brent Goose – a migratory bird that winters in Ireland. Found on my winter wanderings around the island.

  • Dimensions: 14 x 14 cm (5.5 x 5.5 inches)
  • Medium: Mixed media on mount board
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ISLAND ELEMENTS I

The delicate breast feathers of the Brent Goose – a migratory bird that winters in Ireland. Found on my winter wanderings around the island.

  • Dimensions: 13.5 x 14.5 cm (5.3 x 5.7 inches)
  • Medium: Mixed media on mount board
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ISLAND ELEMENTS II

The delicate breast feathers of the Brent Goose – a migratory bird that winters in Ireland. Found on my winter wanderings around the island.

  • Dimensions: 13.5 x 14.5 cm (5.3 x 5.7 inches)
  • Medium: Mixed media on mount board
Sold

ISLAND ELEMENTS III

The delicate breast feathers of the Brent Goose – a migratory bird that winters in Ireland. Found on my winter wanderings around the island.

  • Dimensions: 13.5 x 14.5 cm (5.3 x 5.7 inches)
  • Medium: Mixed media on mount board
More Information

ISLAND ELEMENTS IV

The delicate breast feathers of the Brent Goose – a migratory bird that winters in Ireland. Found on my winter wanderings around the island.

  • Dimensions: 13.5 x 14.5 cm (5.3 x 5.7 inches)
  • Medium: Mixed media on mount board
More Information

ISLAND ELEMENTS V

The delicate breast feathers of the Brent Goose – a migratory bird that winters in Ireland. Found on my winter wanderings around the island.

  • Dimensions: 13.5 x 14.5 cm (5.3 x 5.7 inches)
  • Medium: Mixed media on mount board
More Information

ISLAND ELEMENTS VI

The delicate breast feathers of the Brent Goose – a migratory bird that winters in Ireland. Found on my winter wanderings around the island.

  • Dimensions: 13.5 x 14.5 cm (5.3 x 5.7 inches)
  • Medium: Mixed media on mount board
Sold

ISLAND ELEMENTS VII

The delicate breast feathers of the Brent Goose – a migratory bird that winters in Ireland. Found on my winter wanderings around the island.

  • Dimensions: 13.5 x 14.5 cm (5.3 x 5.7 inches)
  • Medium: Mixed media on mount board
Sold