Opening Exhibition Event: Saturday 1st August 

Exhibition display dates: Saturday 1st – 31st August

In our current world crisis filled with climate anxiety, despair and fear of the unknown, two sisters and artists from Banbridge have challenged these modern day perceptions through their latest exhibition ‘Worry Worlds’. This exhibition is an innovative multimedia installation, prevalent in today’s current climate crisis. Through this exhibition the sisters aim to challenge their viewers to evoke an emotional response, however with an overall vision of restorative hope for the future.

Samantha and Annita McKee are artists who live and work together in their studio in Banbridge. They have combined their artistic abilities to create a collaborative exhibition ‘Worry Worlds’ which is rooted in research and their shared interests. Through their work they illustrate the importance of environmental awareness to honour the current interest and drive for environmental change.

Annita’s passion for scuba diving is incorporated into their exhibition, as it comprises of underwater large-scale photographs taken when she brings her handmade chairs scuba diving, that reveal the beauty of marine life ecosystems that are still thriving. This exhibition additionally features a number of ceramic globes on display.

The sisters state that ‘Our goal is to inspire thought and dialogue, moving away from despondency and encouraging action. If we do not worry, we remain passive. The restoration of our lands, oceans and nature contributes to restoring our minds,  reducing climate anxiety and creating a less worrisome world’.

The Ceramic world sculptures respond to the impact of climate change and human activity. These wounded worlds are viewed through a metaphorical lens, where marks in the land stand for the ways humanity alters geology and environment. Some landscapes may be reclaimed over time; others may be lost forever. Sculpted and slip-cast porcelain globes with some glass elements map these changes, offering a poignant glimpse of a possible future if action is not taken.

We are delighted to have this exhibition on display at Millennium Court for August Craft Month. The opening event for this exhibition will be on Saturday 1^st August at 2pm. This exhibition ‘Worry Worlds’ reflects on the state of our planet—past, present, and future. This exhibition emphasises a call for the reconsideration of “how we do life”, whilst additionally reminding the audiences of the awe-inspiring beauty that remains on our earth.