Exhibition | A Slowly Fainting Memory and Love and Regret: Conor Wickham

‘A Slowly Fainting Memory and Love and Regret’ is an exhibition of drawn works from artist Conor Wickham.

The Achillea maritima or Cottonweed, is a Mediterranean species at the edge of its range here in Ireland. One would have to travel to the west coast of France to next come across this vascular plant. The Saxifraga nivalis, more commonly known as the Alpine Saxifraga is found in the highest mountainous regions of most circumpolar countries. It endures at the extreme edge of its range on a limestone cliff in Co. Sligo.

According to the National Parks and Wildlife Service Red List, of the 1,211 vascular plants in Ireland, 184 are classified as near threatened or vulnerable while 20 are considered critically endangered. To be on the critically endangered list, the plants range must have reduced by 80% (since 1988) with less than 50 individuals remaining. We are all aware of the reasons behind their status. Dwindling habitats, questionable use of land and farming methods and climate change. The unmistakable beauty of these plants and their fascinating stories is what I sought to document through drawing. The drawings are a record of their endurance on this isle.

This new series of work documents these 20 critically endangered vascular plant species. The pieces are monochromatic studies using ink on un-primed canvas. Each of the five drawings contain plants intricately weaved together to create a singular composition. The drawings are both realistic representations and creative reinterpretations. The work is created with no clear narrative, the process is responsive and nonlinear, each mark informs the next.