Ida Mitrani - Arts for Health Learning Residency
September 29 to November 6, 2021

Ida Mitrani's concerns and interests are influenced by concepts and theories of plant culture in the current environmental crisis, including plant blindness, post-naturalism and hybrid material. The creative process explores the relationship and the interaction between humans, plants and technology, and looks at the function and meaning of weeds in today’s society. Her aim is to capture a memory of the present era using an environment of textures that reflects the diversity and adaptability of life, and contemplates a vision of a possible new understanding of a ‘clean landscape’ where plastic is incorporated in nature. The mixed media drawings and installations explore ways of combining various recycled, non-biodegradable materials, organic life forms and digitised images. The contrast between the decaying organics and the more enduring materials makes her reflect on human’s legacy on earth.

During her residency at Uillinn, Ida - with guidance from her mentor, Sarah Ruttle - will design a creative kit that will be mailed to participants on the arts for health programme at home. The participatory, creative and educative nature of the residency will highlight the importance of cooperation and communication where all involved in the project work in partnership to benefit each other, important factors in the artist’s research in the relationship between humans and nature.

The experience of the residency will benefit the artist in generating new ideas while learning new techniques and methodologies to better adapt to various situations, to help with problem solving, and to develop and deliver future socially engaged creative projects in a safe environment.

Ida Mitrani is a multidisciplinary artist and art educator currently living in the Beara peninsula, in West Cork. She recently graduated from the Crawford College of Art and Design with a First class honours masters degree in Art and Process (2021).