55 BPM (Breathes Per Minute)
This project and exhibition by Tadhg Kinsella concentrates on the theme of grief and loss. Tadhg examines, observes and develops a series of memories related to his mother (Denise) who recently passed away after battling stage 3 terminal cancer for 5 years. 55 being the house Tadhg grow up in and the last count of how many breaths per minute Denise took before she passed. While also referring to the movement of time and life since this moment (Beats Per Minute).
The project medium focuses on Black and White 35mm film photography and Super 8 with an audible soundscape. Using Denise’s cameras Tadhg focuses on site specific locations and learned the process of developing and printing 35mm & Super 8 film. Using a series of alternative methods Tadhg experiments with the agitation methods while developing. Concentrating on the beat of audio sound vibrations while agitating the film and paper during the developing process. Highlighting the projects collaboration aspect between visuals and sound throughout the process. Project locations refers to places Denise had previously walked and taken photographic images and/or visited often with Tadhg (Images in colour are Denise’s works). Locations include Dublin City and Costal/beach areas. Connecting city to coast through imagery of structural infrastructures Bridges and Trains. Throughout the project the questioning of 2 worlds are suggested (memories and reality) with the gradual use of over exposure, over development, image fading and fogging.
S.W.A.L.K – A Super 8 reel accompanies the prints to complete this project. Named after what Denise wrote on the back of every Birthday card; S.W.A.L.K (Sealed With A Loving Kiss), with the exhibition opening on her birthday and based around the walk this name seemed fitting.
Denise returned to college and studied sociology and education; throughout the film a study audio note Denise made for herself is sampled (which Tadhg found on her phone after her passing). Another sample is the breathing recorded by Tadhg in her final moments, this sound representing the cold reality of life. The cello relates to Denise’s love for music and the countless cello lessons she drove Tadhg to weekly growing up. Again site locations are based around where Denise liked to go before losing her ability to walk. In St. Ann’s park, Malahide beach close to where Denise lived and the Dart journey into town. The shed holds particular importance as this was the only view Denise saw once she lost the ability to walk, daily she would comment on something newly discovered from this view. Which is the positive outlook Tadhg tries to continue throughout the grieving process and in this project.
Walk With Me - This darkroom print series starts with contact sheets and developed 35mm film sheets moving along the wall guiding audience members to go on a walk through the park, beach and city centre. Finishing with the two worlds of reality and grief as images get heavier, distorted and more real.
Stepping in Side – Is an immersive installation with polaroid, screen-printed photography, an art piece created by Denise and a visual timelapse of Tadhg caring for Denise at her final moments.