Collective Avatars

The participants of The Dock’s youth group, Collective Producers, led by artist Andy Parsons examined art and culture from different eras and places in the world, exploring how human identity has been merged with elements of nature, society, culture, and technological advancement.

The teenagers created large-scale sculptural avatars using card, paper, wood, LEDs, conduction tape, and paint. In order to construct these avatars, the group must understand and use basic principles of engineering, physics, and maths in an applied manner. The avatars are a means for these young people to explore their identities and will bring together diverse influences from popular culture, folklore, and mythology. From the centaurs and hydra of classical mythology to the robotic human in Fritz Lang's Metropolis to creatures from Celtic mythology such as the Puca, the group envisioned new identities that exist outside of reality, strengthening both their own identities and their group identity.

The artwork created during the project will be on display in The Dock until early February 2023.

This project was funded by Creative Ireland, Open Call through Leitrim County Council, and The National Youth Council of Ireland STEAM small equipment grant.

The Collective Producers Project is designed to encourage young people aged 14-19 years to engage with the arts, if you are interested in joining, email Laura Mahon, Visual Arts & Education Manager: lmahon@leitrimcoco.ie