A new exhibition featuring artwork inspired by Ireland's historic Silvermines landscape will open at Nenagh Arts Centre on September 5 at 6:30 PM. The exhibition, titled "Transforming the Landscape," showcases the work of local artist Josephine Geaney, with the official opening ceremony to be performed by local historian John Flannery.
The exhibition was specially commissioned by Siga-Hydro to create a collection of artwork inspired by the unique landscape of the Silvermines area. Geaney, who is known for her evocative abstract painting style, has drawn inspiration from the textures, forms, and atmosphere of the former mining lands. Her artwork captures not only the visual elements of the landscape but also the layered memories and emotions tied to the area's rich mining heritage.
The centerpiece of Geaney's inspiration comes from a man-made lake that formed naturally from an abandoned open pit mine after mining operations ceased in 1993. This unexpected transformation of industrial wasteland into a beautiful water feature represents the complex relationship between human activity and nature. The lake now serves as a symbol of renewal and regeneration in the post-mining landscape.
Through her artistic interpretation, Geaney addresses contemporary issues including climate change and renewable energy development. Her paintings explore the tension and harmony that exists between natural and man-made environments, particularly as they coexist in the Silvermines landscape. The work reflects ongoing efforts by the Silvermines Hydro Project to repurpose and rehabilitate land left behind by decades of mining operations.
Geaney's abstract style allows her to capture more than just the physical appearance of the landscape. Her paintings reflect the dialogue between place, history, and community identity, transforming industrial remnants into expressive contemporary art. The works serve as a visual narrative of how communities can reimagine and reclaim spaces that have been altered by industrial activity.
The exhibition represents a collaboration between art and environmental restoration, highlighting how creative expression can help communities process and understand landscape transformation. Visitors will be able to experience Geaney's interpretation of how the Silvermines area continues to evolve from its mining past toward a sustainable future focused on renewable energy and environmental restoration.
The "Transforming the Landscape" exhibition will remain on display at Nenagh Arts Centre through September 24, giving visitors nearly three weeks to experience Geaney's artistic vision of one of Ireland's most dramatically transformed industrial landscapes.
