IE Upcoming

Wild Wisdom from a Grúagach’s Lair

Name: Wild Wisdom from a Grúagach’s Lair
Start: 2026-10-03
End: 2026-10-31
Location: Waterford

Wild Wisdom from a Grúagach’s Lair is a solo exhibition by Waterford-based visual artist Rayleen Clancy, held at the GOMA Gallery of Modern Art from October 3 to 31, 2026. The exhibition draws inspiration from Irish folklore and nature, specifically focusing on the mystical figure of the Grúagach to explore themes of transformation, wild wisdom, and ecological care.

Date: Oct 3-31, 2026
Location: Waterford
Status: Upcoming

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Event summary

Highlights

Opening reception on Saturday, October 3, from 6pm to 8pm
Interactive sculpture featuring a sofa with wrapping limb-like extensions
Illuminated stained-glass coffee table showcasing intertwined plant and human forms
Immersive environment inspired by the shapeshifting Grúagach and coastal caves

This multidisciplinary showcase transforms the gallery into an immersive environment featuring stained glass, sculpture, moving images, costume, light, and sound. Central to the exhibition is the reimagining of the Grúagach—a shapeshifting 'hairy woman' from Irish mythology—as a guardian figure. The works include interactive elements and altered furniture, such as a sofa equipped with soft, tentacle-like limbs and an illuminated coffee table depicting intricate woodland scenes.

Clancy’s work also draws from the geography of Ireland's coastal caves to examine the relationship between humans and the environment. By blending traditional folklore with modern concerns regarding ecological change, the exhibition creates a space filled with hybrid organisms and hidden habitats. An opening reception is scheduled for the first evening of the event, offering the public an early look at these sculptural shrines and portals.

Practical details

Location described by the source: GOMA Gallery of Modern Art; www.waterford-news.ie
Area for browsing nearby events: Waterford

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.