Lorna Cope Corrigan’s solo show ‘I was thinking one night’ curated by Leah Corbett
I was thinking one night is a solo exhibition by artist Lorna Cope Corrigan. The exhibition highlights the full extent of Lorna’s practice which encompasses a diverse range of techniques and ideas. Through painting and drawing, her work explores themes of place, collectivity and the natural world.
Lorna’s insightful approach to her surroundings provides a dynamic lens through which to see and understand the world. Drawing on her own life experiences, her work maps a personal journey and pays tribute to the places she has visited, friends, family and colleagues she has encountered and important moments in her career to date. The vivid colours and repeated motifs celebrate joy in the everyday.
I was thinking one night refers to the inspiration Lorna takes from her dreams. What emerges from her nighttime contemplations are vibrant, lively compositions which portray people and animals set in imaginative landscapes. The figures depicted rarely appear in isolation – instead they are supported by a cast of characters, human and non-human, all engaged in a collective dance. They appear to be in a state of intimate, heightened sensitivity and receptivity, to each other and to their surroundings. Nature is an abundant, restorative, and life-affirming force. The work is alive with an uncontainable energy – a joyful and unshakeable togetherness.
Lorna Cope Corrigan is a visual artist. At the age of 5, she poured a can of bright red paint over herself and a dull grey tractor – since then she has considered herself to be an artist. Lorna spent 6 years at Ormonde College of Further Education, Kilkenny studying and developing her art practice. In 2004 she joined the KCAT Studio where she is currently a member. Her work continues to flourish and she has developed a distinctive and unique style. Though working largely on canvas with paint, she also sensitively handles ink and pen on paper. Lorna’s work embraces a range of subjects, often drawing on the world around her and incorporating imagery from nature. She is also inspired by her memories and travels to Australia and France.
Lorna has exhibited extensively, both nationally and internationally. In 2014 she presented her solo exhibition And Then I Paint, in The Laois Arthouse Gallery, Stradbally. Her work was part of the Engagement Project (touring exhibition) which was exhibited in venues throughout Ireland including: F.E. McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge, Co. Down and Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen. Most recently her work was included in Matriarch as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival in 2022. She has also participated in exhibitions and projects in Australia, the UK, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. She is currently working towards a solo exhibition in Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Belfast in 2024. You can find more about Lorna Cope Corrigan’s practice here.
Leah Corbett is an artist and curator from Tipperary. Her practice includes realising exhibitions, facilitating workshops and initiating community-led projects. She is interested in the collective (re-)production of public space and often works collaboratively to situate projects in the public realm. Leah is the Co-founder of artist-run organisation Muine Bheag Arts in Carlow and a former Co-director of Catalyst Arts in Belfast. You can find her website here
“The work is alive with an uncontainable energy – a joyful and unshakeable togetherness” – Leah Corbett, curator.
