Oisin Bourke and Susanne Horsch selected from nearly 100 submissions for annual group exhibition.
Two Kilkenny-based artists, Oisin Bourke and Susanne Horsch, have been selected to exhibit in Art as Alchemy, the annual Wex-Art Festival group exhibition, following an open call that attracted almost 100 submissions.
Curated by Shannon Carroll, the exhibition brings together eight artists from across Wexford and the surrounding south east. Alongside Bourke and Horsch, the other selected artists are Veronica Dooley, Natalie Doyle, Dara Griffin, Trish Kavanagh and Anne Martin Walsh from Wexford, and Terry Lawless from Wicklow.
The exhibition opened at Westgate Heritage Centre on Saturday, 10th October, with a brilliant turnout for the opening reception. It runs as part of the wider Wex-Art Festival, supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, the Arts Office of Wexford County Council and Wexford Arts Centre.
Set within the historic Westgate Tower, Art as Alchemy reflects on the relationship between past and present, and the ways in which places and artistic practices evolve over time. Coinciding with Samhain, a time of seasonal transition and change, the exhibition explores how, through the slow labour of attention, artists can transform thoughts, ideas and experiences into something new and tangible.
Dating from the 13th century, Westgate Tower is the last surviving of the six towers and gateways that once formed part of Wexford town’s defensive walls. Now restored alongside its adjoining coach houses, the historic site provides a distinctive setting for contemporary art. Particular care was taken during the preparation and curation of the exhibition to remain mindful of the building’s heritage.
Art as Alchemy continues at Westgate Heritage Centre, Westgate, Wexford, until Saturday, 31st October 2026. The exhibition is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 12 noon to 5pm.
Exhibition details
Art as Alchemy
Curated by Shannon Carroll
Westgate Heritage Centre, Westgate, Wexford, Y35 X2DK
14th–31st October 2026
Wednesday–Saturday, 12 noon–5pm
For further information: wexfestartists@gmail.com
