You can call it an adventure
(if something goes wrong)

5 September – 3 October 2025
Opening event Thursday 4 September, 6pm
Studio 12, Backwater Artists Group, Wandesford Quay, Cork

Backwater Artists Group is delighted to present You can call it an adventure (if something goes wrong), a solo exhibition by our Moving Image Bursary recipient for 2024, Ailbhe Reilly Tuite.

The exhibition explores themes of dormancy, journey, death and rebirth, through a looping narrative, which was first presented in Ailbhe’s previous exhibition Dreamscape. You can call it an adventure (if something goes wrong), is an expansion on one segment of this narrative, and focuses on the journey, following a dark and dormant period.

Through animated drawings, Ailbhe has recorded and recreated paths that they have walked in the past year. The drawings used to create this animation are displayed in the space as well as in the moving image piece.

The exhibition aims to mark the beginning of a longer journey the artist is yet to take, which will inevitably include unpredicted events, and changes of circumstance, before coming to an end. It focuses on the beginning of a journey, knowing that it is unclear, where we will find ourselves, after time has passed.

Ailbhe is an interdisciplinary artist based in Cork. They graduated from BA Fine Art in Crawford in 2024. Their work explores imaginary realms through drawing, bookmaking, moving image, and sound. They hope to create artworks which welcome others into playful and contemplative spaces, focusing on drawing as an intrinsic tool for communication.

Backwater Artists Group Moving Image Bursary is awarded to a graduating artist from MTU Crawford College of Art & Design, who demonstrates talent and ambition in their work practice. The award includes a free studio space for 6 months, a solo exhibition with associated supports, including an artist’s fee and mentorship by a relevant art professional. In 2024/2025 Ailbhe has been mentored by Anthony Murphy. Backwater Artists Group Moving Image Bursary is in partnership with Cork Film Centre and MTU Crawford College of Art & Design.