In Place of Meaning
In Place of Meaning is an upcoming group exhibition opening at 6pm on the 6th of November in the Carnegie Library, Swords. This exhibition will be open from the 6th – 8th of November.
This exhibition is made up of a collective of visual artists, film makers and musicians that contribute to a collective exploration of how art can be, not just what it can mean. The title of the show is taken from Susan Sontag’s ‘Against Interpretation and other essays.’
Sontag’s essay focuses on the idea that art is much more than just its interpreted meanings. Focusing on the sensuous experience of the work, alongside its form is its value. For this exhibition we have a collection of artworks that function not only in a broader discourse but also exist in the space as objects that engage deeply with the audience.
Meet the Curators
Emma Swan is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice investigates systems of social hierarchy and the often-unseen disparities in various forms of labour. Working in sound, sculpture, and painting the work draws attention to structures shaping social value and working lives. She holds a BA in Fine Art from Technological University Dublin. Swan’s previous exhibitions include a solo show titled ‘Toil and Moil’ in Kilkenny (2024), ‘GRADX’, TU Dublin (2024),Tread Lightly (2023), ‘PLUID PROJECT,’ the Cowshed Gallery, Farmleigh Estate (2021). She was longlisted for the RDS Visual Art Awards (2024).
Emma Swan
Chris Forrester
Chris Forrester is a socially engaged visual artist and writer. Their work follows the complicated reality of queer peoples’ lives through the mediums of film, performance, spoken word, and sculpture. Graduating from TU Dublin Fine Art in 2024, during the duration of their graduate show GradX, was longlisted for the 2024 RDS Visual Awards. In November of 2024 was awarded with the inaugural Free Carnegie Library Recent Graduate Award and is in residence in Swords. Exhibitions and shows they have taken part in are Silver Apples of the Sun, Golden Apples of the Sun(2025), Introduction to Charcoal(2025),Tread Lightly(2023)and Transfusion(2023).