Dublin-based artist Sharon Kelly is set to launch her new art exhibition, Counterpunch, later this month. The exhibit will explore the challenges that women face when participating in boxing in the north inner city. Kelly has been working with sports through art since 2013, with a particular focus on endurance. The artist uses different aspects of sport in daily life such as preparation, mental and physical resilience, determination, mindset, and tradition.
A Unique Initiative that Brings Art and Sport Together
Counterpunch is a multi-media installation that features sculptures, drawings, and videos. The exhibition will be free of charge. The artist spent time working with three young local boxers, Eve Woods, Nicole O’Sullivan, and Yasmin Meredith, along with their coach Colin Byrne, to create the exhibition at the National Stadium Gym.
The exhibition looks at the specific challenges that women face in boxing, which require both physical and mental resilience. “This initiative is one of a kind, bringing together two great loves of Dubliners – art and sport.” – Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said. She believes that sports clubs and artists play a vital role in communities across the city, and projects like this help people better understand how participating in culture and sport can improve connectivity and wellbeing.
Exhibition Details and Background Information
Counterpunch will be exhibited at the National Stadium Gym from Friday, May 26 to Monday, June 5, 10am to 5pm. The boxing exhibition was created as part of a Creative Residency program by the Dublin City Council Culture Company in partnership with the Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership.
Overall, Kelly’s work reflects her ongoing interest in exploring the relationship between sport and art. By working closely with the boxers and their coach, she has been able to create a unique exhibition that explores the physical and mental resilience required for women to succeed in boxing. Counterpunch promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring exhibition that brings together two important aspects of Dublin life – sport and culture.
