01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Brazilian ambassador joins Wicklow artist to bring global water crisis into focus
Drawing audiences from across Ireland to experience a vibrant fusion of fine art photography, environmental consciousness, and cross-cultural dialogue, the insightful exhibition was introduced by Courthouse artistic director Kieran O'Toole, followed by a captivating solo performance by Mestre Sansão on the berimbau, a traditional Brazilian instrument central to capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends music, rhythm, and movement.
Guests were welcomed with the Brazilian flag on display and served traditional caipirinhas, adding a festive and immersive cultural touch to the event.
Mr Macieira addressed the audience with a poignant message about the urgent need for global climate action, emphasising the importance of COP30, the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference to be hosted by Brazil in 2025, while praising Taves' work for 'elevating water as both a natural and symbolic resource.'
Started in 2009, Taves' Water Colour series invites viewers to reflect on the state of water around the world, with the project a visually arresting archive of water imagery captured in diverse global settings.
'What if water, in its fragility, no longer flowed freely—or disappeared altogether?' Taves asked.
'Through these images, I hope to awaken a deeper reflection on water's fragility and its vital importance in our lives.'
The enchanting evening concluded with a poetry reading by Wexford-based writer, Sylvia Cullen.
Water Colour will remain on view at the Courthouse Arts Centre until Sunday, June 8. The exhibition will close with a special event from 3 to 5 pm, featuring guest speaker William Fagan, chairperson of the Photography Museum of Ireland.
A bus can be booked via the Courthouse website for €10 per person. It will depart from the Signal Arts Centre in Bray at 1.45 pm and return from Tinahely at 5 pm.
Limited edition postcards featuring a QR code with a preview of the next show are available for purchase.
