Breath, Breathless

Presenting the outcome of a twelve month collaboration between visual artists Kevin Killen and Sally O’Dowd, Breath, Breathless explores a shared interest in the hidden footprint of the everyday, made visible through drawing, installation and neon light.

The artists have explored themes already present in both their practices, such as domesticity, materiality, human behaviour, life, relationships and conversation; relating them to the changing domestic activities that have taken place in this former Georgian Rectory.

This new collaboration has grown out of conversations between the artists over the past year. Conversations in Belfast, Lisburn and Cavan, at local cafes, the artists’ home places and studios, and on site at R-Space Gallery. These conversations remain central to the work presented.

About the artists

Kevin Killen is based in Downpatrick, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. He studied at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design University College (now the UCA), specialising for one year in 3D Design and two years in Fine Art. He continued his training in Dallas Texas in 2009, studying neon glass skills. A recipient of the Arts Council ACES Awards 2014, Kevin explores issues of boundaries and behavioural patterns using neon, digital animation and acrylic glass.

Sally O'Dowd  has a socially engaged live art practice. She utilises performance and drawing to lend form to hidden footprints in the everyday and has a track record of live drawing and performance at events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Most recently at the National Circus Festival of Ireland, Co. Kerry and the Vanemuine National Theatre, Tartu, Estonia. The artist is a recent recipient of Create Artist in the Community Research and Development Award, Leonardo Creative Practices Across Borders Award and has gratefully received the 2015 Professional Development Award from Cavan County Council Arts Awards. She is joint curator of trans-art Cavan and a founder of Townhall Cavan Arts Space.

This project is assisted by Cavan County Council Arts Office, and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.