The Liberties

Gearoid Simms’ latest exhibition, The Liberties, is a deeply personal reflection on growing up in Dublin’s historic Liberties area. The concept for the show came to him as an epiphany while listening to The Beatles in a friend’s flat, sitting in silent contemplation as the melodies stirred vivid recollections of his past.

Simms possesses a unique ability to recount memories with striking clarity, and he has channelled this gift into a body of work that captures both the vibrancy and the complexity of his hometown.

"The Liberties was, and still is, a great place to grow up. Its streets were full of life, both commercial and domestic. The people were talkative and witty. Yet many of its children suffered through heroin, and today the area is no longer a market and trading hub but one defined by digital and technology culture."

Simms invites the public to look deeply into these paintings and, through them, to reflect on their own past.

17th - 19th September, 12.30 - 6pm,
Launch event - 18th September 6-10pm,
20th September 12.30 - 5pm.
The Island Gallery, Bridewell Street, Bristol. BS1 2QD.

The gallery is located on the first floor of the building. Access is limited by two flights of stairs, please see artspace.uk/venue/the-island/gallery-space/ for our full accessibility document.⁠

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