Shota Kotake
31.01.2025
I did not think we would be posting here again but it is important to lay down our respect. It is with great pain that we say that Shota Kotake has passed away. Shota was a massive hero to me. I have always looked up to him. He was the most talented artist I have ever had the privilege to know. Shota is behind the Soul Noir posters from 2017 - 2022 and gave me the bravery to set up Soul Noir. If he could work with me then how could I not give it my best shot? Shota was a humble, modest genius with a wild streak that would often break out in unexpected and amusing ways. 'Generation Bread' for example (if you know you know). He was very thoughtful about everything, never wasted anything and held the highest standards across the board from his work as an art technician, of which he was a master, to his exceptional practice which ranged from documenting Max ( a robin in Shota's Garden) and his family, lovingly every day and making friends with the robins so that they would land on his hand, to his highly sophisticated, skilled, detailed and dynamic drawing. Shota was a true genius. When I was in second year Sculpture in NCAD, Shota was in 4th. I was fascinated by him and was always trying to get his attention. Shota was the first student in the morning and last to leave. I have had the privilege to work with Shota on the Soul Noir posters, to work with Shota for Soul Noir, to work with him for my other curatorial projects 'In-Vision' and 'I Am What I Am.' To break down his art practice here would be a thesis to say the least and that should be a point that we all hold onto and discuss in our daily lives for the fact that his artwork will be a roadmap of a life lived with concept, skill and shining brilliance. I do not know really what to say except I love you Shota and I will always be that student, looking up to you. - Sinéad
Ceremony update: Shota's cremation will take place @1:30PM on Tuesday 18/02 in the Garden Chapel of Mount Jerome.
158 Harold's Cross Rd, D6W HY98.
The service will be 20 minutes long. As the schedule times are tight, guests are asked to arrive from 1:20PM with the ceremony to start at 1:30PM sharp. There will be a mass taking place prior, so we've been asked to wait outside till they welcome us in. The chapel can accommodate up to 200 people.
(image description: A picture of Shota and Sinéad at the first Soul Noir. )
Goodnight Darling
31.12.2024
We wanted to thank you all and all of our artists over the years for being with us. Our website, Vimeo and social media will remain static but available online for several years as a resource for you to look back at the artists we have worked with since 2017. All artists are listed in the 'menu' under their respective festival year on our website where their own web presence is listed. Our 2024 catalogue is also available digitally and has a community resource page on pg. 24 for anyone new to the scene. You have meant a lot to us. We want to wish you all the best with everything. Take care of yourself. Yours forever in darkness - Soul Noir.
Goodnight Darling.
(image description: an image of Vampira in black and white looking up. Red text spells ' Goodnight Darling x" beside her.)
Dolorosa de la Cruz’ Moonworks in conversation event now available
29.12.2024
Moonworks - An in conversation event with Dolorosa de la Cruz on 16.11.2023 at The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.
Dolorosa de la Cruz's art presents a multifaceted view of the sacred and the sublime, in which forms weave and delineate threads which run core throughout a variety of occult traditions. Bathed in moonlight are offerings to vibrant and vital visions of the divine feminine, in one glimpse a dark and terrible goddess is beheld in awful beauty; at another glance, an expanse of emptiness may bear witness to the very queen of heaven herself. The medium of art yields the result of ritual, an illustration of initiation. Inspiration as divination, intuition as strength, experience as alchemy, and abstraction as a great ocean into which all words are dissolved: Dolorosa’s work is above all a devotional practice, a visceral communion with living spirits underscored by its own logic. As the words of Austin Osman Spare have stated, “the Law of sorcery is its own Law, using sympathetic symbols.”
"To me, who have known
The senses' doubtful lore,
Thy soul is evermore
Mysterious as mine own.
...
But in delectable
Dark ways, and wordless speech,
Our hearts throb each to each
The tale we cannot tell.
-Clark Ashton Smith
Recent shows include the Occulture Esoteric Conference in Berlin. Current shows include a solo show, 'Hymns to Unknowability and Devotion' at the Philosophical Research Society in LA.
Follow the artist at her Instagram
‘Hymns to Unknowability and Devotion’ by Brian Conniffe and Nifm is the soundscape in the background.
Eamonn Maxwell’s Lifting the Veil talk, Dr. Danielle O’Donovan’s lecture on Gothic Architecture and The Hardliners Presentations from 2023 and 2024 now available
09.12.2024
Eamonn Maxwell's 'Lifting the Veil' talk, Dr. Danielle O'Donovon's lecture on Gothic Architecture and The Hardliner's presentation from 2023 and 2024 is now available on our Vimeo channel. A big thank you to Eamonn, Danielle and all The Hardliners for working with us.
Link to our Vimeo where all videos can be visited here
(image description: Image 1. Dr. Danielle O'Donovan presenting her lecture in a darkened room. Image. 2 Eamonn Maxwell's poster for 'Lifting the Veil'. Image 3. The Hardliners presentation for 2023, an image of John O'Brien with his niece Grace. Image 4. The Hardliners presentation for 2024, an image eof Anne with her sister Mags.)
Announcing our Award Winners!
05.11.2024
We would like to congratulate the 2024 Award Winners;
Best in Show - Ferdinando Adiletta
Best Emerging Artist - Jessica Checkley
Dark Heart Award - Conor Connolly
Audience Favourite Award- Gwen Stevenson
We would like to congratulate all our artists on their outstanding work also.
(image description: Image 1: Adiletta’s work 'Chaos, Night and Darkness' (2024) three women figures are the focus of the painting, Chaos, Night and Darkness, one is birthed from a moon, one is on the ground and turns to the viewer blindfolded and one directly addresses the viewer. There is a peacock and owl in the painting along with other natural materials such as crystal, stone and apple and stars. Image 2. Checkley’s piece 'Levithan' (2024). a bronze sculpture of a snake with three heads and wings, all the snakes faces have different expressions. Image 3. Connnolly’s work 'When We Meet Again In Hell '(2024). A striking painting of two figures standing ominously in a red landscape with a grey sky. They are abstracted and the one on the left seems to be moving toward the static figure on the right. Image 4. Stevenson’s work 'Memorial/UnMemorial' (2024). Animage of many of seperate days of footage compiled of the road journey, all with different weather conditions.)
Tickets to the 2024 Opening Night now available
12.10.2024
Opening night tickets now on sale. Darling, our last hurrah. Join us for a night of dynamic Gothic art reflective of our final festival theme 'Death, my Bride', a Japanese influenced dance performance of 'Salome' by Eriko Uehara, poetry by Dave Lordan and live opera by Soprano Sandra Oman with pianist David Wray. High end Gothic attire is highly encouraged, there is an award for 'Best Dressed'. 100% of the proceeds of ticket sales will be split between a women's refuge (name protected) and the Blue Cross.
Opening 6 - 9pm, October 31st at the Irish Georgian Societies City Assembly House, 58 William Street South, Dublin 2.
Full agenda in the ticket link and can also be found under '2024 Programme'
Get your tickets here
Thank you to the RTÉ Supporting the Arts Programme
17.09.2024
Everyone here at Soul Noir would like to thank the RTÉ Supporting the Arts Programme for supporting us again this year and for sharing our festival. We are very grateful.
(Image description: the RTÉ Supporting the Arts logo which has the their name in bold typeface and a semi circle of colourful circles arching the font against a white background.)
#rte #rtesupportingthearts #goth #gothdublin #halloweenireland2024 #samhainireland2024 #gothicart #gothicireland
Eamonn Maxwell for ‘Lifting the Veil: Voices of our Community’ series
13.09.2024
Soul Noir is thrilled to announce Eamonn Maxwell for our 'Lifting the Veil: Voices of our Community Series'. This is a series of public talks with members of the Gothic community who either base their practice in Goth/alternative art, organise events or run Gothic / alternative spaces.
Eamonn Maxwell, born in Co. Antrim, is a contemporary art curator and advisor. Having studied fine art at Camberwell College of Arts, he has spent more than 20 years working with visual arts and organisations including the Arts Council of Ireland, Goldsmiths College of Art, and Lismore Castle Arts. Maxwell has been involved in over 100 exhibitions in the UK, Ireland, and Europe, including curating the Irish Pavilion at Venice Biennale. He has advised leading contemporary art collectors and been a board member for many not-for-profit organisations. He is passionate about the importance of art in contemporary life and helping artists become successful in their disciplines.
Find more at his website and Instagram @eamonnmaxwell
This is a free event and collaboration with the United Arts Club, 3 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2 on October 3rd, 6 – 8pm. There will be free Soul Noir merchandise at the event also.
(image description: official poster for the event designed by Siobhan Fitzsimons. A picture of Eamonn in black and white from a few years ago. His hair is styled upwards and he wears a black shirt. He looks up at someone in conversation. There are artistic photos placed in the room he is in on a white door. Details of the event mentioned above are on the poster.)
The Funeral Rose announced as winners of the Enfant Terrible Award
10.09.2024
Soul Noir is pleased to announce The Funeral Rose as the overall winners of the Enfant Terrible Award, current line up Éabha Campbell, Ailish Dynan, Aislinn Byrne, Sam Kinghan and Ewan McAra. The Funeral Rose are a queer Belfast-based four-piece post-punk band founded in 2021. Their music incorporates ethereal analogue synths and abrasive, angular guitar intertwined with Irish folklore and mythology. Inspired by bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division and Depeche Mode, The Funeral Rose brings together dissociated baritone vocals over sepulchral basslines, creating a haunting atmosphere reminiscent of decades of the past. Their debut single "Torn Apart", recorded at Start Together Studio, Belfast, received nationwide success, being played on Dublin Digital Radio and garnering attention with features in publications such as The Thin Air and the Belfast Telegraph. The band have collaborated with a range of artists, both nationally and on an international scale, such as NI Music Prize winners Junk Drawer, Problem Patterns and Pretty Happy, as well as Berlin-based Lebanon Hanover, 1919, Death Bells and LA's Jagged Baptist Club. The Funeral Rose are currently working on their debut EP 'Metamorphosis', which will be released in Autumn 2024.
(Image description: A black and white photo of the band performing where there are three members visible wearing mostly black.)
Find their Breaking Tunes here and Instagram here
Thank you to all applicants of the Enfant Terrible Award
08.09.2024
We would like to thank all the applicants we had for the Enfant Terrible Award. We appreciate the time and effort you have put into your practice and know that you are valued. It is a shame we have only one award, we want to share two of our shortlisted entries with you for you to support as the younger generation of artists.1. Image one is from Lee Behegan. Instagram @leebeheganart. Excerpt from artists statement "As both a horticulturist and an artist, my practice is deeply rooted in the natural world......I hope that my work resonates with viewers on a deep level, encouraging them to see the natural world—and their own inner landscapes—in a new light. Through my art, I aim to create a space for reflection and introspection, where the boundaries between the self and the world, the conscious and the unconscious, become fluid. I believe that art has the power to connect us to something larger than ourselves, to evoke emotions and thoughts that we might not have otherwise accessed."
2. Image 2 if from Paul Van Sickle. Instagram @paultergeist_. Excerpt from artist statement " In millinery, which I specialized in, every step conceals the raw, ugly edge of your last layer: stitching away in endless circles to create a single, unified image. In storytelling, an accumulation of image, character, and situation build to a similar whole, but I don’t feel that need to hide the ugly parts. I wrote the manuscript of a novel about two goths whose relationship was falling apart during the rise of the Trump era, but it fell to the wayside due to lockdown. Instead I left New York as there was no costume work left in the wake of the pandemic, and pursued a masters in Creative Writing at Trinity College. I feel at home in Ireland, and have found employment as an assistant tutor in Costume Design at the Lir Academy of Dramatic Art"
(image 1. Mrs Kitty (2024) a striking painting of a black cat curled around a pineapple on a table with knives and fish. Image 2. Wave Hat (2019) a beautiful and unusual hat where the blue feathers and material act as weaves guiding a black boat up the structure of the hat.)
#leebehegan #paulvansickle #younggothicartists #goth #darkart #darkfashion #gothicdublin #gothireland #gothart #painting #millinery
Enfant Terrible Award applications now open!
01.08.2024
Emerging Artists working exclusively within Gothic themes under 35 in Ireland are invited to apply for the 'Enfant Terrible' Award. This is a once off award of €300 and a title to support emerging artists in their journey. It is very difficult, as we know, to be a young artist trying to work in an alternative way in Ireland. This award will hopefully help an artist, encourage them and keep them on their path. We are looking for a true radical that has dedicated their practice to the Gothic.
Please note: Every year we have a 'Best Emerging Artist Award' and 50% of these emerging artists have been over 55. We actively support older artists. The vast majourity of artists we have worked with are over 35 throughout the years and this award is designed for balance and support of younger artists.
Rules: (1) The artist must work exclusively within the realms of the Gothic. (2) The artist must be under 35 upon the date of the deadline, 31st of August 2024 at 12pm. (3) The artist must live on the island of Ireland and (4) No applications will be accepted after the deadline.
This award is funded by the Soul Noir team as a support for the Goth community.
To apply, please submit your application as one pdf to soulnoirfestival@gmail.com with the following information before August 31st at 12pm;
Your name
Your address
Your date of birth
Up to 800 words about your practice and interests as an artist
Up to 10 examples of your work, images and short description
Any links to any social media you may have
This award is open to all creatives, visual artists, designers, musicians, dancers, writers etc. We do not care about CV's, we only care about your talent. Soul Noir holds no bias towards race, gender, sexuality, religious belief, educational background, disability or socio - economic background and welcomes all artists from all backgrounds to apply.
Well done to the young artists at Childvision for their work at our Summer Camp collaboration!
28.07.2024
Well done to all the young artists in Childvision for their fantastic work at our summer camp workshops.
Young artists were welcome to come along and make their own cauldron candle- holder/trinket box and explore the magic of clay sculpture. Artists were encouraged to add their own twist to the work and enjoy themselves in this two part workshop. They also made other wonderful creations including Mrs. Cornelia the Zebra and beautiful flowers. Well done to all artists.
Big thank you to everyone who came to our
Vinyl Hear & Tell!
26.05.2024
A big thank you to everyone who came to our Vinyl Hear & Tell with our friends at GalleryX and DJ Dandelion.
Thank you to our lovely audience. We had a great time with you.
World Goth Day event 2024
12/05/2024
GalleryX, 11 Hume Street, Dublin 2 for World Goth Day May 22nd, 7-9pm.
Pray tell, hear ye as we invite the Goth/Dark/Alt community for a vinyl sharing event (Hear/Show and Tell) on World Goth Day with our Friends at GalleryX with DJ Dandelion!
The audience are invited to bring their vinyl to play and tell us what it is and what it means to them. Wine and refreshments will be provided for this free community gathering. No ticket is required. You can registrar your attendance here to give us an idea of numbers and to make a small donation to the Gallery.
(image description: a poster with the details above listed. There is an image of a vinyl record in the centre with various album covers in the top right including The Virgin Prunes 'Heresie' and WitchBoard 'It's Been Emotional'.)
Thanks to Dublin City Council for the support and our friends at GalleryX. Poster by our friend Siobhan Fitzsimons.
2024 Fire Brand announced!
29/04/2024
Soul Noir is deeply honoured to announce our 2024 Fire Brand, Giovanni Giusti. Giovani is a fearless curator who is also the Director and Founder of GalleryX. The importance of Giovanni, culturally, can not be understated. With the presence of GalleryX, Giovanni has created a platform for Gothic/Dark and Alternative artists in Ireland where there is so very few and has done so in a consistent and truthful way for many years. Historically, in the study of alternative arts in Ireland, Giovanni has been a pioneer and a driving force.
Find a description of Giovanni's practice below;
In 2014 I opened GalleryX, an independent space devoted to surreal, inappropriate, and unconventional art. For the past 10 years (albeit with long breaks) GalleryX has been a welcoming space for creators and art lovers who don’t quite fit in conventional commercial galleries nor in the public-service art scene.
The lack of any training – either as artist or as a curator – has allowed me to ignore conventional wisdom when selecting artists and themes for GalleryX exhibitions. This “encyclopaedic ignorance” as I like to call it has resulted in the gallery mainly showing art that somehow resonates with my own whim, inspiration and fantasies. And yet an overall editorial line does emerge from these – a focus on the fantastical, the sensual and the macabre; on alternate desire and tormented bodies; on the bizarrely beautiful, the unsettling and the grotesque.
Over the years a coterie of weirdos (which, from me, is a compliment of the highest magnitude) has congealed around the space – a circle of beautiful people. Not knowing who are the people one ought to know, I ended up being equally welcoming to all. And the fact that I find it hard to remember who anyone is makes the space even more inclusive.
In this era saturated with content that is made or selected by algorithms, with humans cowering in a corner and worrying about others’ opinions, I value visual objects that are handmade with great skill and that display their maker’s uncontrollable urge to make and communicate with a universal audience, exploring the darkest folds of their psyche while also coming up with strangely beautiful things.
My greatest dream is that one day someone will tell the story of how their adventure or their fortune started at GalleryX.
You can find more information on Giovanni's gallery, GalleryX at www.galleryx.ie.(image description: a beautiful black and white image of Giovanni and one of his artists Kenny Morris. Giovanni laughs and wears a black shirt. He has a beard and mustache. )
#giovannigiusti
Big thank you to our funder DCC for 2024
05/02/2024
Soul Noir would like to thank Dublin City Council Arts Office for all of the support over the last number of years. As a subcultural community arts festival, DCC’S support is a big step for us and we are all very appreciative.
REBECCA DEEGAN DARK ENTRIES DOCUMENTARY NOW AVAILABLE
31/12/23
Still from Dark Entries
Dark Entries is a mini- documentary series examining the practices of Gothic / dark / alternative / underground artists in Ireland today. This series is a free online resource readily available for audiences who are seeking to further understand what Gothic / dark / alternative / underground art is, who makes this work and what is it's value in today's contemporary art scene. Dark Entries strives to reach beyond the stereotypes placed on Gothic / dark / alternative / underground artists and provide authentic narratives of Ireland's darkest and boldest. This series features new artists each year, expanding upon diversity and career stage. The series is made available on Soul Noir's Vimeo channel in full hd. There are subtitles for audiences who are hard of hearing or deaf.
Rebecca Deegan
Rebecca Deegan is a visual artist / painter from Laois, working with oil paint & charcoal to create dark, emotive & surreal figurative pieces. She is a resident artist at Dunamaise Arts Centre, where she has been developing her artistic practice since 2015. Her work explores archetypal imagery & symbolism in folklore & fairytales. The personification of aspects of the psyche as monsters and mythical creatures is of great interest to her. She has recently exhibited a solo show at GalleryX titled ‘The Serpent’s Lore’.
Follow the artist on her website and Instagram
The documentary also features music from talented Irish dark techno artist Core Minimal. Follow Core Minimal at Bandcamp, Beatport and Facebook.
Thank you to all who came to Moonworks – a conversation with artist Dolorosa de la Cruz
12/12/23
Thank you to all who came to support the very gifted Dolorosa de la Cruz’ talk ‘Monworks’ at The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. de la Cruz work was on display and the soundtrack to her current solo show in LA, ‘Hymns to Unknowability and Devotion’ by Brian Conniffe and Nifm was also played. Follow Dolorosa de la Cruz on Instagram @dolorosa.
2023 Award Winners Announced
03/11/23
Soul Noir would like to thank and announce our 2023 Award Winners;
Audience Favourite - Patrick Loughran
Best Emerging Artist - Lanna Ariel
Dark Heart Award - AMALGAMATED WONDERS OF THE WORLD for his career of work in alternative and Gothic themes.
Best in Show - Aidan Harte
Thank you and thank you to all of our 2023 artists.
Moonworks – a conversation with artist Dolorosa de la Cruz
09/11/23
Soul Noir:Festival of the Dark Arts is pleased to present a conversation with celebrated artist Dolorosa de las Cruz on November 16th , 6 – 8pm at The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.
Dolorosa de la Cruz's art presents a multifaceted view of the sacred and the sublime, in which forms weave and delineate threads which run core throughout a variety of occult traditions. Bathed in moonlight are offerings to vibrant and vital visions of the divine feminine, in one glimpse a dark and terrible goddess is beheld in awful beauty; at another glance, an expanse of emptiness may bear witness to the very queen of heaven herself. The medium of art yields the result of ritual, an illustration of initiation. Inspiration as divination, intuition as strength, experience as alchemy, and abstraction as a great ocean into which all words are dissolved: Dolorosa’s work is above all a devotional practice, a visceral communion with living spirits underscored by its own logic. As the words of Austin Osman Spare have stated, “the Law of sorcery is its own Law, using sympathetic symbols.”
"To me, who have known
The senses' doubtful lore,
Thy soul is evermore
Mysterious as mine own.
...
But in delectable
Dark ways, and wordless speech,
Our hearts throb each to each
The tale we cannot tell.
-Clark Ashton Smith
Recent shows include the Occulture Esoteric Conference in Berlin. Current shows include a solo show, 'Hymns to Unknowability and Devotion' at the Philosophical Research Society in LA.
Follow the artist at her Instagram @dolorosa_
When: November 16th, 6 – 8pm
Where: The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 63 Merrion Square S, Dublin 2, D02 X33
This is a free event and no ticket is required.
Opening night tickets now available
20/10/23
Core Festival dates: October 31st, 6 - 9 pm and 1 - 8 pm November 1st at the Irish Architectural Archive,
45 Merrion Square East D02 VY60 Dublin 2. Full programme here. Get your tickets here.
Image: Chandelier 2 (2022) from the series Fragments of a Lost Civilisation, 2015- present by Breda Lynch
Thank you young artists
25/09/23
We had a great time recently working with the young artists at ChildVision for our 'Magic Making' workshop. These workshops encouraged young artists to consider celestial shapes such as the moon, the sun and stars. The sculptural artworks were designed so they could be hung from windows inside and reflect the sun, moon and stars outside. We had a wonderful time with these fantastic young artists. Big thank you to all at ChildVision.You can find more about ChildVision and donate at childvision.ie.
(Image description: a beautiful sculptural black star made by Joseph with a black thread to hang the work)
Thank you Open Call Artists
04/07/23
We would like to thank all of our open call artists for your applications. We know how hard it is to make an application and we appreciate your time and dedication to your art. We have received proposals from artists all around the world from England to South Africa to China and it has been a very difficult assessment year. All open call artists have been emailed their application status. Thank you all.
(image description: A black rose on a black background with a red border and red text stating 'Thank you open call artists' in capitals.)
Thank you to all that came to The Secret Life of Crows
31/05/23
Thank you Ricky Whelan and Marsh’s Library for collaborating with us on World Goth Day for Ricky's 'The Secret Life of Crow's'talk . All proceeds of ticket sales went to Kildare Wildlife Rescue . Ricky has generously donated his artist fee to them also. Thank you Dublin City Council Arts Office and our audience for your support. The audio will be uploaded to our Vimeo shortly.
(image description: Image 1 is an image of part of the historic Marsh's Library , a long corridor with many shelves of antique books. The room is darkly lit with a window of bright light at the end. Image 2 is of Ricky Whelan who is tall with brown hair. He wears an orange checkered shirt and is photographed mid gesture in front of his slide show opening slide which features a beautiful black crow. Image 3 is a black and white image of the audience from the back of the room.)
The Secret Life of Crows - a talk by Ricky Whelan
on World Goth Day
20/04/23
You are all welcome to 'The Secret Life of Crows' - a talk by Ricky Whelan on the wondrous multiplicity of Crows.
Venue: Marsh's Library, St.Patrick's Close, Dublin 8.
When: World Goth Day, May 22nd from 6 - 7pm
There are four main species of Corvoids (commonly referred to as crows) jackdaws, magpies, rooks and grey crows. They are social birds that can congregate in large flocks, and are quite common across Ireland. Crows are a very intelligent species, have a varied diet and are opportunistic feeders. They are commonly recognised through their distinctive calls and caws. And Crows are one of the smartest of the birds. For example, Crows understand analogies, can exercise self-control, can fashion tools and like to play. All proceeds of ticket sales will go directly to Kildare Wildlife Rescue who have an outstanding track record in helping our injured Crow friends. The talk will be in the stunning surroundings of Marsh's Library, Ireland's Oldest Public Library opened in 1707.
Ricky Whelan is the Biodiversity Officer for Offaly County Council (formally of BirdWatch Ireland) and has generously agreed to do his much loved talk on Crows for us on World Goth Day so please join us for this celebration.
Get your tickets here
(image description: a white poster with the details we have listed above and a colour photograph by Birdwatch Ireland of a beautiful black crow. Poster designed by Siobhan Fitzsimons)
Fire Brand announced for 2023!
15/03/23
We are profoundly honoured to have artist Dolorosa de la Cruz as our 2023 Fire Brand. An influential and powerful force in the alternative community, Dolorosa represents the heart of what we stand for.
Artist Bio:
Dolorosa de la Cruz is a visual artist based in Dublin, Ireland. Her Art is an on going enquiry into spiritual, magical and esoteric matters, through the female sensibility.
Capturing phantastical and talismanic presences, observing their mysteries and sexualities, through drawing, sculpture and collages. Her allies in this journey are her familiars, occult practices, surrealist games, literature, poetry and always in kinship with the Chthonic and Elemental.
Her art has been exhibited in Dublin, Belfast, London, New York, Seattle, Brussels, Poland and Chile. It has also been published in several contemporary Occult and Art Journals and books.
Published work:
Archetype - Zagava Books 2022
Materia Oscura - Jerusalem Press 2022
The Debutante (The Feminist-Surrealist arts journal) 2022
Notable Exhibitions
Solo show Moon's Milk September 2022 Gallery X Dublin
The Cabinet of the Solar Plexus, curator and exhibitor April 2022 Gallery X Dublin
The Cabinet of the Solar Plexus, curator and exhibition September 2016 Gallery X Dublin
Soul Noir Magics & Ritual 2022
Magica Sexualis, Stephen Romano Gallery 2015 New York
Apparitions curated by Stephen Romano at The Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick Ohio 2020
You can find more of her work here.
The Fire Brand is a symbol of our subcultural representation, the heart of what we stand for and the face of our festival for the calendar year. The selected Fire Brand represents the ethos of rebellion, darkness and radicalism in the field of the Gothic / dark / alternative / underground cultural arts. The Fire Brand is an agitator in the landscape of Soul Noir for their reigning year, generating events and happenings.
2022 Awards Winners Announced
01/11/22
We would like to congratulate our 2022 award winners
Best in Show - Alice Maher's 'Cassandra's Necklace'
Best Emerging Artist - Anne O'Brien from the Hardliners Writing Collective
Audience Favourite - Michael Keane's 'Draco Tenebris'
and
The Dark Heart Award to Glen McQuaid for his career of work covering alternative and Gothic themes.
Thank you all
Thank you to our 2022 Funders!
20/10/22
Thank you Darling! We are very grateful to our kind individual funders, their generosity and support. A full list of our black angels can be found here.
ESTHER RAQUEL MINSKY DARK ENTRIES DOCUMENTARY NOW AVAILABLE
26/08/22
Still from Dark Entries - photograph by Andrew Kohn
Dark Entries is a new mini- documentary series examining the practices of Gothic / dark / alternative / underground artists in Ireland today. This series is a free online resource readily available for audiences who are seeking to further understand what Gothic / dark / alternative / underground art is, who makes this work and what is it's value in today's contemporary art scene. Dark Entries strives to reach beyond the stereotypes placed on Gothic / dark / alternative / underground artists and provide authentic narratives of Ireland's darkest and boldest. This series will feature new artists each year, expanding upon diversity and career stage. The series will be made available on Soul Noir's new Vimeo channel in full hd. There are subtitles for audiences who are hard of hearing or deaf.
Esther Raquel Minsky
Esther Raquel Minsky may well be the invention of novelist and lecturer Denis Kehoe. Or Denis Kehoe may be the invention of Esther Raquel Minsky. Though perhaps both of them were just dreamed up by the man known as Oscar Esterson, once upon a time, somewhere between Europe and South America.
You can follow the artist on Instagram
2022 FIRE BRAND ANNOUNCED!
22/05/22
Happy World Goth Day Darling! Soul Noir is very proud to announce our 2022 Fire Brand -Breda Lynch. The Fire Brand is a symbol of our subcultural representation, the heart of what we stand for and the face of our festival for the calendar year. The selected Fire Brand represents the ethos of rebellion, darkness and radicalism in the field of the Gothic / dark / alternative / underground cultural arts. The Fire Brand is an agitator in the landscape of Soul Noir for their reigning year, generating events and happenings.
Breda Lynch - born in Kilkenny and lives in Limerick city where she works as a full-time lecturer in Fine Art at Limerick School of Art and Design. She holds a BA (Hons)Degree in Fine Art Print at Crawford College of Art, an MA in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and Design, London and an MPhil in Fine Art Print and Digital Media from the University of Wolverhampton. A visual artist working in a variety of media, including drawing, photography, print and digital media, video and installation. She engages with dialogues and discourses on - queer feminisms, th western mystery tradition and occulture, appropriation and the economy of the image. Lynch has exhibited extensively in solo and group exhibitions in Ireland and abroad. A recipient of several awards and residencies Lynch is included in national and private collections. Her work was recently purchased by IMMA - Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Arts Council of Ireland for their permanent collections.
More details of Breda's plans for the year will be announced soon.
You can find this legendary artist's work on her website at her website and Twitter to learn more.
PAT BYRNE DARK ENTRIES DOCUMENTARY RELEASED
11/12/21
Still from Dark Entries - Pat Byrne (2021)
Dark Entries is a new mini- documentary series examining the practices of Gothic / dark / alternative / underground artists in Ireland today. This series is a free online resource readily available for audiences who are seeking to further understand what Gothic / dark / alternative / underground art is, who makes this work and what is it's value in today's contemporary art scene. Dark Entries strives to reach beyond the stereotypes placed on Gothic / dark / alternative / underground artists and provide authentic narratives of Ireland's darkest and boldest. This series will feature new artists each year, expanding upon diversity and career stage. The series will be made available on Soul Noir's new Vimeo channel in full hd. There are subtitles for audiences who are hard of hearing or deaf.
Visit Soul Noir's new Vimeo to experience these documentaries online.
Pat Byrne
Originally from Laois,Pat Byrne moved to Galway in 2006 to study at the GMIT Cluain Mhuire Campus. Specialized in fine art painting and graduating in 2010 with a BA Honours Degree, Patremained in Galway for a time, during his final year in college he became one of the founding members of the artist collective, A – merge. Early in 2011, having failed to secure a studio in the Arthouse, Stradbally, Pat was awarded a studio by Laois County Council and in March returned to hishome county. Pat worked in Laois for just over a year before undertaking a 3 month residency in Iceland with NES, it was at this time that folklore began to appear in his work. He returned to Ireland and the following year he began his Masters in Fine Art at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, graduating in 2015. Pat is currently based in Laois where he continues to work on his studio practice, showing both in Ireland and abroad.
Visit the artists website, Instagram and Facebook for more information.
TACTILE TOUR WITH PAT BYRNE
07/11/21
Thank you to everyone who came to our tactile tour of From Under the Hill, a solo show of works by Pat Byrne at Tallaght Library. We had a great time learning about Pat’s work and great tea and chats afterwards.
NEW SOLO SHOW FROM UNDER THE HILL BY PAT BYRNE
04/11/21
Soul Noir is pleased to present a solo show of work by the artist Pat Byrne. 'From Under the Hill' will be exhibited from the 5th to the 30th of November in Tallaght Library.
'My practice explores superstitions and folklore as I look at mythological humanoids and fairies while attempting to portray them in a more realistic and contemporary fashion wanting to render them as somebody who could possibly pass us by on the street. Superstitions have always held a core place in Irish culture but as time progresses the mischievous and malevolent spirits that once occupied the spoken word and imagination are being forgotten only to be seen as figures of parody. The lack of faith in this make- believe world is something that I feel reflects the current human condition in Ireland with so many people unemployed and no structure to their daily lives, figures of folklore are effectively in the same situation and on the mythological dole queue simply living out each day completing mundane tasks. '
Bibliography
Originally from Laois,Pat Byrne moved to Galway in 2006 to study at the GMIT Cluain Mhuire Campus. Specialized in fine art painting and graduating in 2010 with a BA Honours Degree, Patremained in Galway for a time, during his final year in college he became one of the founding members of the artist collective, A – merge. Early in 2011, having failed to secure a studio in the Arthouse, Stradbally, Pat was awarded a studio by Laois County Council and in March returned to hishome county. Pat worked in Laois for just over a year before undertaking a 3 month residency in Iceland with NES, it was at this time that folklore began to appear in his work. He returned to Ireland and the following year he began his Masters in Fine Art at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, graduating in 2015. Pat is currently based in Laois where he continues to work on his studio practice, showing both in Ireland and abroad.
Visit the artists website, Instagram and Facebook for more information.
There will also be a visually impaired friendly artist talk on November 13th at 12.30pm. You can get your tickets here.
Brought to you by Tallaght Library and Soul Noir
(image description: a poster of Byrne's work “Battle's in the Sky' (2020) of a blue / green ceremonial mask hanging from a coat rack. The mask is in colour and the canvas is raw. The exhibition information such as the title, address and dates are on the poster.)
Address: Tallaght Library, Library Square, Tallaght (across from The Square Shopping Centre) Dublin D24 A3EX.
BIG thank you to Sarah Brooks for covering the show on News Group. Find article here.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR OUR 2021 OPENING!!
14/10/21
Join us for the opening for this Halloween at Dublin Castle- October 31st 6 - 9 pm (Additionally open November 1st 1 - 8 pm). Situated at Bedford Hall, Upper Courtyard at Dublin Castle, Dame St. Dublin 2. Entrance via Corke Hill (beside City Hall) on the opening and after 5 on November 1st.
At the opening there will be performances by RAM Cellist Ailbhe McDonagh, Performance Artist Fergus Byrne and Dance Artist Isabella Oberlander. Prepare yourself for a haunting halloween of Ireland's best underground and Gothic art featuring Susan MacWilliam, Daire Lynch and Pat Byrne. High end Gothic attire is highly encouraged.
7 – 7.25 Ailbhe McDonagh and Fergus Byrne bespoke performance
8 – 8.25 Isabella Oberlander performs a site specific response to the courtyard, 'Absorbing - or what are you listening to?'
8.30pm: Awards ceremony. Featuring 'Best in Show', 'Best Emerging Artist' and the 'Dark Heart Award'. Have your say and vote for 'Audience Favourite' (announced on November 2nd). There will also be a special award for an audience member in 'Best Dressed'.
Bedford Hall, Upper Courtyard at Dublin Castle, Dame St. Dublin 2. Entrance via Corke Hill (beside City Hall).
Covid measures will be in place in accordance with government guidelines at the time of event.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are broken into 2 time slots
Time slot 1 is 6 - 7.30 available here
Time slot 2 is 7.30 - 9 available here
No tickets are needed for November 1st and live events include a reading by The Hardliners at 1pm and a talk with GalleryX at 6pm. Entrance via Corke Hill for the GalleryX talk.
CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS FOR OCTOBER
13/10/21
Tallaght LibraryMonday and Wednesday 18th & 20th Oct 3.30-5.30 pm. County Library, Library Square,Tallaght, Dublin 24.
Castletymon Library Tuesday 19th & Thursday 21st Oct 3.30-5.30pm. Castletymon Public Library, Castletymon Road, D24EC1X, Dublin 24
Led by artist Aoibhinn O'Dea
Join us for a Goth friendly workshop for children aged 8-12 to unleash their inner artist and get creating with Tim Burton inspired puppets to make and keep forever! Using high quality materials your child's new little friend can go on as many adventures as they like for years to come. Children can choose from Corpse Bride, Jack Skellington, BeetleJuice, Edward Scissorhands or maybe their own character inspired by Tim Burton! Workshops are free but booking is essential. Led by artist Aoibhinn O'Dea. P.S dress up is also highly encouraged!
TICKETS FOR TALLAGHT LIBRARY ARE SOLD OUT
Get your tickets for Castletymon Library here
SUPPORT OUR 2021 FUND IT CAMPAIGN
30/09/21
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR GENEROUS FUNDERS. You can find our funder’s list here
This will be our fifth edition of the festival. Soul Noir was built to support true alternative and Gothic artists in Ireland and give them the platform they deserve. This is a unique festival designed to lift the veil of Gothic culture to Irish audiences and experience the highest standard artists in haunting and historic locations. This year will be a 2 day festival in Dublin Castle from October 31st - November 1st. Our programme ranges from video art by Susan MacWilliam to a performance by cellist Ailbhe McDonagh and performance artist Fergus Byrne. We showcase all artists with respect and our open call is open to everyone regardless of social class, education history, gender or race. We seek only to bring together all walks of life to celebrate the glory that is Goth. You can also check out our manifeso here which details our principles and motivations.
The following is what is costs to run this event:
Venue rental fees - €2000
Professional photographer - €600
Catalogue designer - €811.80
Poster design - €300
Poster / catalogue / rewards printing - €500
Special display plinths - €860
Insurance - €361
Professional security - €100
Opening reception - €100
Additional artist fees - €300
Presentation stands - €81
Additional framing - €100
Additional printing - €30
Fund it fees - €493.28
Total = €6659.28
We are aiming for €4,500 as a target goal,but if you can help us reach the full costs, please keep supporting the campaign once we hit €4,500 to help us cover our expenses.
Our team is made up of artists and industry professionals. This includes (i) MA Law graduate John Paul Maguire as our Director;(ii) BA artist Shota Kotake as our Artistic Consultant; (iii) BA dance artist Jack Rabbit as our Creative Co - Director and ; (iv) MA artist Sinéad Keogh as our Curator and Director. We run like a well oiled Victorian pocket watch. We are confident we can run this festival again and to a high standard with YOUR support.
We have faced and overcome each obstacle as a team. What we need is financial support to help us cover the costs of such an intricately designed festival. The financial burden weighs as much as a pair of Demonia boots.
We received a €3000 grant from DCC which we are using to pay our artists.
(although we are still fundraising to pay the artists the grant did not cover). We have no funding for the costs of the festival itself whatsoever. This is why your support is so crucial.
Thank you for your interest in supporting Soul Noir. With YOUR support we can make this festival run... maybe even fly. You will receive beautiful gifts designed by Shota Kotake, including tote bags, postcards, posters, T- Shirts etc in exchange for funding and supporting underground arts and Gothic subculture in Ireland.
Thank you.
You can donate here
Soul Noir Fund it campaign 2021 from Soul Noir Festival on Vimeo.
NEW DOCUMENTARY SERIES DARK ENTRIES OF UNDEGROUND ARTISTS
02/09/21
Still from Dark Entries - Sean Fitzgerald (2021)Another new initiative of our education and outreach programme, Dark Entries is a new mini- documentary series examining the practices of Gothic / dark / alternative / underground artists in Ireland today. This series is a free online resource readily available for audiences who are seeking to further understand what Gothic / dark / alternative / underground art is, who makes this work and what is it's value in today's contemporary art scene. Dark Entries strives to reach beyond the stereotypes placed on Gothic / dark / alternative / underground artists and provide authentic narratives of Ireland's darkest and boldest. This series will feature new artists each year, expanding upon diversity and career stage. The series will be made available on Soul Noir's new Vimeo channel in full hd. There are subtitles for audiences who are hard of hearing or deaf.
Visit Soul Noir's new Vimeo to experience these documentaries online.
2021 Dark Entries Artists
Sean Fitzgerald
Sean Fitzgerald lives in a remote area of the North West of Ireland. His art investigates the darker elements from Irish mythology, folk magic and sacred sites. The resulting drawings are dark motifs which are intricately layered with traditional knotwork and full of powerful symbolism.
Instagram @seanfitzgeraldart
The other two artists will be announced in the coming weeks - Stay tuned!!
SOUL NOIR 2021 FIRE BRAND ANNOUNCED!!
02/05/21
Soul Noir is very proud to announce our very first Fire Brand - Sean Fitzgerald. A new initiative for our 2021 education and outreach programme, the Fire Brand will be a symbol of our subcultural representation, the heart of what we stand for and the face of our festival for the calendar year. The Fire Brand will represent the ethos of rebellion, darkness and radicalism in the field of the Gothic / dark / alternative / underground cultural arts. The Fire Brand will be an agitator in the landscape of Soul Noir for their reigning year, generating events and happenings. The role of the Fire Brand will be to bring about an awareness of our festival and to Goth /dark / alternative / underground culture as a whole through their practice, our combined social media platforms and additional events. The Fire Brand will enrich our organisation by garnering awareness for important movements / happenings to educate and agitate the public on underground arts and for Soul Noir to serve as a platform to our yearly selected firebrand.
Sean Fitzgerald was inspired from an early age by the many mysterious tales from Irish myths and folklore. His stippled illustrations are a celebration of these stories with strands of nature and ritual magic which he fuses into part traditional Celtic motifs. In 2019 he wrote and illustrated the book The Last Battle of Moytura (Hill of Tara Press) which told the story of the battle between good and evil with Balor of the Evil Eye and the God of Light, Lugh Lamfhada.
He has exhibited in the UK, Ireland, Europe and Australia.
More details of Sean's plans for the year will be announced soon.
You can find this outstanding artist's work on Instagram and Facebook to enrich your life and feed your soul. Walk in beauty and in darkness.