Last Saturday we had the pleasure of opening Tribes & Tribulations, a new solo touring exhibition of sculptures and poetry by award winning artist Helen Merrigan Colfer. The exhibition was opened by the highly acclaimed author Eoin Colfer, who heralded the exhibition as Helen’s greatest achievement.  In his speech he quoted Leonardo da Vinci who once said, ‘the artists see what others only catch a glimpse of’.

The exhibition came about when Helen won the Hamilton Gallery award in 2022 at the Cairde Visual exhibition. It is a touring exhibition, having been to various art venues in Northern Ireland, before arriving here at the Hamilton Gallery in Sligo.

Producing mainly resin and bronze figurative sculptures, Helen explores the idea of self identity and personal journeys conveying the power and vulnerability of the human spirit in each piece. The evolution of her style and techniques can be seen whilst walking through the three ‘chambers’ in the Hamilton Gallery giving a beautiful flow to the exhibition.

Helen’s early work is full of colour, there is a reference to nature and being part of a tribe that nourishes the self confidence and helps us to achieve greater things. There are also mythical elements to her work, bringing the viewer into her imaginary wonderland. More recently, Helen has compiled a series of poems through which she reflects on her sculptures, and now displays alongside them.

A Talk & Tour of the exhibition with Noelle Mc Alinden, curator, creative advisor, artist, arts advocate and friend of Helen’s will take place at the Hamilton Gallery on Saturday 19th August at 12 noon.

This is an opportunity to see and reflect upon the artist' unique work, her journey, with insights into and observations of the artist's ongoing and evolving practice as it continues to tour across the island of Ireland.

Suitable for all ages and stages in life.