Inishowen artist Maria McKinney launched an exhibition of sculptures using information held within the genetic signature of bulls and calves.

Sean Hannigan, Willie Doherty, Maria McKinney and Angela Carlin at the opening of the “Sire” Exhibition

There was a large gathering of the local arts community at the official launch of ‘Sire’ by Maria McKinney, at the Regional Cultural Centre Letterkenny on February 14th.

‘Sire’ is a major exhibition featuring a significant body of work on the subject of bulls and genetics.

It was first exhibited at the RHA Dublin in September 2016 and includes sculpture, large-scale photographs and a video installation.

For eighteen months in 2015 and 2016, Dublin-based Inishowen artist Maria McKinney worked with Dovea Genetics – a bull stud with 90 bulls, producing semen in a controlled environment.

She developed a body of work that explores the correlation between the predictive features of genomics in the development of beef and dairy cattle, and how this might echo the prophesying function of the traditional corn dolly.

Her scientific collaborators were quantitative geneticist Dr. Donagh Berry, Teagasc, genome biologist Prof. David MacHugh, UCD, and Head of Veterinary Clinical Studies Prof. Michael Doherty, UCD.

Maria McKinney was shortlisted for the MAC International 2014 (Ireland’s largest contemporary art prize) and recently completed a residency at UCD School of Science. Previous solo exhibitions include, ‘Lokaal 01’ Antwerp Belgium (2016), La ‘Permanence’ Clermont-Ferrand France (2015), MAC Belfast (2012) and Lab Gallery Dublin (2010).

Taking stock visitors at the opening of the “Sire” Exhibition by Inishowen based artist Maria McKinney in the Regional Cultural Centre Letterkenny on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Exhibition opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm (closed March 17th & 18th). Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Contact 074 91 29186 or rcc@donegalcoco.ie for further information.

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