Event Details
Dates
09/09/2010 – 09/09/2010
You are warmly invited to Instantaneous Personal Magnetism Sam Keogh, Eilis McDonald, Isabel Nolan, Ciaran Walsh, Linda Quinlan, Rory McCormick and Shana Moulton
curated by Padraic E. Moore opening Thursday September 9 at 6pm Galway Arts Centre, 47 Dominick Street, Galway
“Instantaneous Personal Magnetism” is an enlightening exhibition featuring the work of seven artists curated by Padraic E. Moore. The exhibition which takes place at the Galway Arts Centre in September is named after a self help book published over 80 years ago by the International Magnetism Club.In this book idiosyncratic scientific theory is combined with details of physical and mental exercises conceived to enlighten the reader as to how they might “apply personal energies so that they might become more magnetic”.The exhibition highlights that while various advances have been made by numerous figures throughout history it would seem that there is little general knowledge, and perhaps little interest among the public, regarding the real nature of personal magnetism.
Animal magnetism is a related phenomenon and was termed given by Anton Mesmer in 1766 to the invisible, universally distributed force that serves as a vehicle for mutual influence between heavenly bodies, the earth and all living things. Although Mesmer’s theory can be linked to ancient esoteric doctrines, he introduced a methodology – based on the practical application of medicine – that became a touchstone for legions thereafter. Its influence is exemplified in the publication, in 1926, of Edmund Shaftesbury’s Instantaneous Personal Magnetism. In this book Shaftesbury proposes a method by which one may change the character of one’s personal magnetism from negative to positive through careful study and practice. In all ages, there have been individuals who – like Shaftesbury – have stumbled across the existence of the personal magnetic power, and then advanced in their knowledge of the subject through careful investigation and study, coupled with constant experimentation.
This exhibition comprises of works by a selection of such individuals whose personal investigations are worthy of attention.The exhibition brings together the talents of Sam Keogh, Eilis McDonald, Isabel Nolan, Ciaran Walsh, Linda Quinlan, Rory McCormick and Shana Moulton and is intended to trigger a re-appraisal of what we take as given in terms of the power and potential of cultural production. The curator,Moore said: “One of my many hopes is that those who view the exhibition will return to the outside world having been magnetised by their close encounter.”
The exhibition opens at the Galway Arts Centre, 47 Dominick Street, Galway on Thursday September 9 at 6pm and runs until Saturday October 2.
admission is free
www.galwayartscentre.ie
IMAGE CREDIT: Shana Moulton Mountain Where Everything is Upside Down digital video 2009 copyright Shana Moulton
Galway Arts Centre is supported by
The Arts Council
Galway City Council
Galway County Council
