Grey Observation: Jan 2021

Grey Observation: Jan 2021 is the next in a series of ten window text commissions by artists, writers, and designers created during the 2021 lockdowns. Ten writers who participated in Meadhbh McNutt's Should artists write? workshops were invited to create one page of text – a completely open brief. The texts range from dense, deeply personal accounts to bold slogans, each capturing the different thoughts and feelings of the author. The texts have been designed by different artists and designers and printed in a risograph edition by Derry Print Workshop.

The texts are visible from CCA's windows, each for two weeks, as well as visible online here and distributed across our region. All ten will be available later in the year as a bundle edition available to buy from CCA's shop as a fundraiser.

Grey Observation: Jan 2021
Author: Sean O Riordan
Designer: Katriona Sweeney
Printer: Derry Print Workshop
Risograph edition of 500

About the author & designer:

Sean O Riordan is a visual artist who weaves together sculpture, digital techniques, and installation. He graduated from the National College of Art & Design – NCAD, Dublin with a Bachelors in Fine Art and Visual Culture in 2016. He has exhibited work in Ireland, the UK, The Netherlands, and the USA. In 2017 he was artist in residence at Western Carolina University NC, USA and has previously worked with artist-led initiatives 126 Artist-Run Gallery, Galway and Catalyst Arts Gallery, Belfast.

His current practice re-orients ideas around how contemporary life is negated through digital information systems, including thoughts around modes of display, distribution, and the obsolescence of technologies. This piece of writing draws on a personal moment between the writer and his mother, a musing on the body, technology, painting, and daydreaming.

seanoriordan.info

Katriona Sweeney is a Donegal native, living in Belfast. She is am a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, working on a variety of creative projects ranging from branding, visual identities, advertising, editorial and print design. Katriona enjoys working with illustration, type and colour bringing ideas & stories to life.

katrionadesigns.com | @katrionadesigns

See previous Window Texts in the series:
Quieter Coastal
Portrait of Y

This project was made possible thanks to support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Stability & Renewal Programme for Organisations.