2022 – 2023
THE EGLINTON CANAL TRASH MUSEUM
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A GROUP OF WILLIAM AND MARY STUDENTS SET OUT FOR IRELAND NOT ONLY TO TAKE SUMMER CLASSES AT THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY, BUT ALSO TO MAKE A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT TURNING TRASH INTO ART.
Introduction
I was delighted to receive the correspondence from Professor Timothy Barnard , the flattering comments re. The Book of Eglinton Cover and the events surrounding the project and to catch up on everything . Also delighted to receive the invitation to join the project continuation in Galway and the prospect of developing the project. I looked forward to meeting Tim once again and the students . I set about developing a plan for what I would contribute to the time I would spend with the students in Galway as they continued the Eglinton project. I decided to create a collaborative performance ‘CANÁIL’ (canal) which formed a ritual healing of the canal and rivers and looked forward to the many discussions. The dedication and enthusiasm of the students to the project is astounding and for me witnessing their actions and words fills me with hope for the future of the environment . Also the friendship and interest shown will last with me forever.
collaborative performance by Noel Molloy and the students of William and Mary University Williamsburg Virginia USA at the Eglinton Canal Galway for Biseach Art Cycle Project 9th July 2022
1. The performance took place beside the Eglinton Canal on the edge of the Children’s Millennium Play park. The layout of the performance consisted of a trash can lid at center and performers formed a circle around the lid , at one edge of the circle facing the canal the artist stood with a cd player and a bunch of twigs and beside the trash can lid lay a piece of white chalk plus a knife. The artist dressed in a business suit with white plastic forks attached by glue and wearing a mask of the
river Gods which is used in stone carvings on bridges, above doors and a halo with the name Naomh Abhainn (Saint River)The artist drew beside the lid, pointers facing north, south, east and west. Returning to the cd player picked up the bunch of twigs to be carried on his shoulder and played the sound recording.The recording being dialogue from the artists uttering the words RUBBISH – TRASH – REFUSE . The artist then carrying the bunch of twigs proceeded to walk in a spiral movement around the circle stopping and shouting OUT OUT OUT also as the artist progressed to the center nonsensical random dialogue was used that came to mind of the artist that could have been said or heard along the canal banks, who knows ? In the progression to the center a chance happening occurred when some of the plastic forks of the suit fell to the ground and using this, the artist, as he was doing a sweeping gesture with the twigs to the center, incorporated it into the performance and swept the forks also. Having reached the center and the trash can lid the artist released the binding on the twigs, held the twigs above the lid and dropping them they hit the lid and spread outwards . From the falling twigs two were chosen and weaved into a cross shape symbolizing a blessing and offered to the canal , two more twigs were chosen and weaved into a x shape symbolizing a kiss and also offered to the canal again two twigs selected were weaved into a Celtic knot shape similar to a cross symbolizing a wish and offered to the canal. The greenness of the twigs made it difficult to make the Celtic knot so a simple cross was used even though some of the students did manage to make some knots. The collaborators having made their own symbolic crosses etc. came forward and placed them at the center making their own invocations. As in certain rituals dance is incorporated and the artist invited the collaborators to join and dance to a recording of a song ‘Dirty Old Town’ which relates to events around a canal. Everyone partnered or otherwise danced to the sounds and the performance finished with the song.
The artist had thought of incorporating the action of ‘casting upon the waters’ (the canal) as is done in certain rituals, the crosses etc. made of dogwood twigs, but on reflection did not want to run the risk of the twigs propagating and adding to the woes of the canal. The canal has already seen the proliferation of a plant known commonly as the butterfly bush, which upon observation has come from the surrounding gardens. Buddleja - Butterfly bush is an invasive plant, meaning it outcompetes and crowds out beneficial native plants that have been naturally growing for centuries. In Ireland, butterfly bush, which has origins in Asia, readily spreads and takes over space where native plants would normally thrive. Also dogwood is considered invasive.
My time spent with Tim, the students and volunteers from the kayak club was incredibly rewarding. The level of enthusiasm and interest in the environment I witnessed bolds well for our planet. The welcome and friendship shown during such a glorious time in Galway will stay with me forever. To cap it all the visit of Tim and the students to my home and studio was extremely enjoyable, I hope I did their efforts of their filming and documentation of my work as we spoke through my process of working and thoughts some justice and look forward to the resulting film. I thank Tim and the students for such a wonderful experience and look to it continuing into the future.
As it stands I have decided on the creation of a number of works from my time in Galway and the resulting found objects acquired.
1. Sculpture relief. Back Cover
Title; Madonna and Child / Mother and Child / Salve Regina
As with all ecclesiastical books they incorporate a page/cover venerating Mary or Jesus - it will relate to motherhood incorporating ogham script which is early Irish language writing.
2. Sculpture Relief. Page
Title; Redemption Page
The page will feature the beginnings of Naomh Abhainn ( Saint River) and will incorporate the creation of a script using the zebra shells plus found objects to create decoration.
3. Sculpture freestanding .
Title; The Mad Hatters Seduction.
Using delph / cups plates etc objects to depict the temptation of Naomh Abhainn.
4. Performance.
Title; Singing in the Drain.
Using the found object umbrella covered in zebra shells.
5. Video / Catalogue-two publications
Title; The Eglinton Canal Trash Museum.
Documentation of each object from the Eglinton Canal before and after cleaning set in a museum form and catalogue.
6. Performance and Video- two works
Title; Duke Box Eglinton.
Using the vinyl 45 duke box record its contents and what the songs relate too .
7. Sculpture freestanding.
Title; The Net.
Using the green wire and mobile phones . These are works in progress and will change and develop as they are created, documentation of the works progress will also be photographed. While some pacific’s have been pointed too all of the various found objects will be incorporated into the works. Work studies/ recordings and procedures for performance / video have begun in earnest and the construction of the sculpture will commence shortly as the weather has greatly contributed to the readiness of the objects.
Noel Molloy 2022. Website ; https://biseachartcycle.weebly.com/
The Eglinton Canal was constructed between 1850 and 1852 for three purposes. The first and most well known was to connect Lough Corrib to the sea at Galway so that goods could be transported in both directions. The second and less well-known reason was to provide a more reliable flow of water to power the many mills that were already located along the natural rivers that were incorporated into this hydological system. These were the Gaol, St Clare, Parkavera, and Madeira Rivers which are displayed on other pages in this section. The third reason was to provide paid employment during the famine period. The walls of the Canal were constructed of black limestone taken from the Angliham quarry in Menlo while the spoil from the excavation was used to build foundations for the University College Galway quadrangle and the road along the Claddagh Quay.
WHITE HORSE JUG 1
Road Rippers Rush & Rescue Fire Truck Brand Toytown
Nikko Japan This is a quality vehicle with great design details and realistic driving sound. The lighting and realistic sound effects are sure to impress the kids. For hours of fun! Suitable for children 3+. Batteries included (3x AA/LR6).
VINTAGE 6" ZEE COOPER NO.7112 BLUE RACE SPORTS TOY CAR
15 CENTIMETER /6 INCHE PLASTIC RULER 5
MILK OF MAGNESIA BOTTLE-Milk of Magnesia is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation. Milk of Magnesia is also used as an antacid to relieve indigestion, sour stomach, and heartburn
COKA COLA BOTTLE- 1980s – We see a modified Dynamic Ribbon Device with the ribbon integrated within the "Coca-Cola" name. Note the missing lower loop in the "L" of Cola. It was only missing in the treatment with the Dynamic Ribbon. When the trademark stood alone, the loop was present.
KRYPTONITE KRYTOFLEX CABLEB BICYCLE LOCK -The Kryptonite Kryptoflex 815(Key) is a cable lock that uses a key lock mechanism. The cable itself is 8mm thick and 5ft long. Although not the most secure lock, the Kyryptoflex 815 is for locking your bike in public places and commuting. Its light weight and portable. 12
IFAM RED JUNIOR COMBINATION STEEL LOCKING CABLE has an easy to use combination which allows you to secure bikes
UNBRELLA HANDLE
PVC Straight Edge Tile Trim is an extruded straight edge PVC tile trim for giving a protective and neat finish to tiled corners and edges with an anchoring leg for securing in the adhesive below the tiled surface.
PLASTIC SIGN S FROM SHOPING TROLLY BAY 22
KONG SQUEAKAIR BALL combines two classic dog toys the tennis ball and the squeaker toy - the perfect fetch toy. 28
WHITE ENAMEL WASH BOWL/ PLANTER- BLACK RIM
Antique Kenrick Cast Iron Pot Sauce Pan w Lid 8pt No 7 Long
Handle Romany Gypsy a heavy cast-iron kettle thought to have been made in England by Archibal Kenrick and Sons Ltd, of West Bromwich, Birmingham, before 1884. It was typically used on an open fire or on the edge of a fireplace to boil water. 30
ZEBRA MUSSELS – SHELLS- The zebra mussel is a small freshwater mussel. The species was originally native to the lakes of southern Russia and Ukraine, but has been accidentally introduced to numerous other areas and has become an invasive species in many countries worldwide. 35
ROVER TRUCK WHEEL TRIM RING- PLASTIC -WIRE CLIP
UMBRELLA WITH ZEBRA SHELLS - for PerformanceSINGING IN THE DRAIN-
DVD- THE MILLIONAIRESS is a 1960 British romantic comedy film directed by Anthony Asquith, and starring Sophia Loren and Peter Sellers.[1] Set in London, it is a loose adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's 1936 play of the same name. 36
THE EGLINTON CANAL TRASH MUSEUM A collection of objects from The Eglinton Canal Galway
Photographs by Noel Molloy
https://youtu.be/sMJrIef014w video snippets of Eglinton Canal Galway 10th July 2022 with William and Mary University students collecting objects for use in sculpture later
Timothy Barnard
Program Director, William and Mary University National University of Galway summer program
Senior Lecturer, Film & Media Studies
2022 W&M Galway Summer Program
The College of William and Mary
tlbarn@wm.edu
Lilly Szalay Director of Documentary Production Team focusing on Art
2022 W&M Galway Summer Program
The College of William and Mary
Jenna Massey Project's Lead Producer
2022 W&M Galway Summer Program
The College of William and Mary
Erik Wells, Project’s other Lead Producer/Director,
2022 W&M Galway Summer Program
The College of William and Mary
Students. Summer School William and Mary University
2022 W&M Galway Summer Program
The College of William and Mary
Kayak Club and scuba divers Galway.
County Council Galway
Noel Molloy Visual and Performance Artist
molloy_noel@hotmail.com
www.noelmolloyart.com
Biseach Art Cycle project 2015
W&M Global Film Festival 2015 Festival, with it's theme of Renewal, Documentation
https://youtu.be/O97d0I2jUH8 A Look Back The 2015 Global Film Festival
https://youtu.be/FomyVL5-g4c Farraig (Sea) performance Williamsburg VA USA
https://youtu.be/p_76RhOizyY William & Mary Global Film Festival Performance documentation
https://noelmolloyperformance.weebly.com/farraige-sea.html performance website
https://youtu.be/OlCshrmJo6w Biseach The Art Cycle - Biseach: The Art Cycle .What happens when a group of William & Mary Students set out for Ireland not only to take summer classes at the National University in Galway, but also to make a documentary about turning trash into art? An Irish-American spiral (or "biseach") of art, education, environmentalism, and inspiration.2015 password Galway
https://vimeo.com/730903664 TheBook ofEglinton Found object sculpture relief THE EGLINTON BOOK COVER . Found objects taken from the Eglinton Canal by the students of William and Mary University
Williamsburg Virginia USA and sculpture created by artist Noel Molloy 2014 - 2015 / 2022 the saint has a name Naomh Abhainn
