Maitiú Mac Cárthaigh
6 July to 5 August 2026
Drop in to Studio 1 on Monday 27, Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 July
This residency will support Maitiú Mac Cárthaigh in resolving work for two upcoming exhibitions in September 2026. Working across installation, publication, expanded print media, sculpture, video and sound, his interdisciplinary practice explores the sexual politics of rural Ireland and the complexities of Queer identity within predominantly cis-heteronormative culture.
His work examines how Queer identities are often de-sexualised and de-politicised in the pursuit of social acceptance and assimilation, while challenging assumptions that position Queer experience as inherently urban or metropolitan. Rooted in his experience of growing up Queer in West Cork, his practice engages with the realities of a rapidly changing rural Ireland, foregrounding overlooked Queer histories and anti-normative narratives within rural and agricultural spaces.
During the residency, Maithiú will continue material research centred on ideas of plasticity, biodegradability and artificial insemination. His work incorporates handmade bioplastics using agar and gelatine alongside materials sourced from agricultural Co-Ops, including polywire, baler twine, silage wrap and AI gloves.
The residency will also further develop his “Country Boys Make Do” methodology, which explores the potentiality of materials while resisting reductive ideas of rurality as static or regressive, instead framing it as a site of complex interconnectivity.
@maitiumaccarthaigh
Supported by an Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon Bursary Award