Clare Lyons
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To Jack / (1993-2024) To Jack was a deeply personal exhibition that intertwined the narrative of Clare and her Dad, Jack Lyons, into the fabric of societal history. The exhibition, derived from the Lyons family archive, was not just a collection of memories but a testament to the choices that define us. Though not biologically related, Clare and Jack share a connection that transcends traditional definitions of family - a connection forged through choice, love, and the shared experiences as documented throughout Clare's life. The roots of the exhibition lie in Clare's earlier work, Every Saturday, which first delved into the exploration of family and connection. To Jack is the natural evolution of that journey - a new beginning that expanded on those initial messages of hope, love, and the bonds we choose to forge. To Jack was a performative installation, responding to the museum space not just as an art piece but as an integral part of a living, breathing history. Each display was curated to blend with the Limerick Museum's broader collection, inviting viewers to consider Clare and Jack's story as a chapter in the wider narrative of human experience. The materials from the Lyons family archive, then presented as historical artefacts, asked viewers to reflect on the significance of their relationships and how those relationships can shape identities. Every opportunity to present To Jack is a chance to correct the historical record - a moment to affirm Clare's identity and to showcase the transformative power of her relationship with Jack. The exhibition was more than a personal reflection; it's an assertion that our chosen relationships are as vital and significant as those written in our DNA. Clare's journey with Jack is a story of love that challenges traditional definitions of family, offering a broader understanding of what it means to love and be loved. - To Jack was curated by Catriona Osborne and produced with support from The Arts Council of Northern Ireland. |