The National Archives is hosting a unique exhibition of work in progress featuring new and original artwork from artist-in-residence John Beattie. The exhibition, ‘Reperforming State Memory – Work in Progress’, explores new perspectives on archival material relating to the 1921-1923 period.
John Beattie’s art practice takes the form of still and moving-image staged productions. He examines and re-presents historical events and narratives using a range of imaging technologies in a way that reveals new perspectives on familiar subjects.
Reperforming State Memory, Beattie’s two-year project with the National Archives, seeks to engage with its collections and its role in preserving the records of the State, and to work collaboratively with staff to explore different modes of display and representations of archive material. Over the course of his residency, Beattie creates work that restages and brings to life a series of historical narratives and events from the period 1912-1923.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media said: “As Minister with responsibility for coordinating the State’s Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012-2023, I support the work and creative expression of artists such as John Beattie as they engage with the historical collections of the National Archives and other institutions in new and innovative ways, exploring and representing the archival record through a creative and artistic lens. The richness of collaborations such as this, between the historical and contemporary, open up these precious records to new audiences and challenge us to take a different look at historical events. It is great to see the fruit of this inaugural residency in this ‘work in progress’ under the Programme’s Artist-in-Residence scheme.”
The exhibition runs until 30 September, 2022 on Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm.