Samhlaiocht gets a Taste of Cuba

An exhibition of work entitled 'In search of Music... Cuba' by Kerry based artist, Karolien Verheyen, goes on display in the new Samhlaíocht Gallery on Wednesday, 27th of June. The collection of photographs and a short film / slide show by the Belgian born artist demonstrates the remarkable empathy and appreciation which she feels for the people, places and culture of Cuba.

"We're absolutely delighted to have an artist of Karolien's talent and ability opening an exhibition at the Samhlaiocht Art Gallery," said Jason O' Mahony, Artistic Director of Samhlaiocht. "Her photographs vividly capture the indescribable beauty of Cuba and one is left with a sense of awe having looked at them. It's also an honour and a privilege to have His Excellency, Mr. Noel Carrillo, Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, open the exhibition."

Karolien is a percussionist whose love for Cuban music brought her to the island on an exploratory mission to meet Afro Cuban musicians and to learn from the Masters on their home ground.

"My reason for going to Cuba was primarily music driven," explains Karolien, "hence the title In Search of Music Cuba. But while I was there I fell in love with all of Cuban culture and so decided to document my travels with photographs as well as with recordings of the music."

Such is the understanding and compassion that Karolien has for the country, His Excellency, Mr. Noel Carrillo, Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, has agreed to open the exhibition of photographs, a short film / slide show accompanied by live music recordings by Cuban musicians which Karolien made while in Cuba.

"It's wonderful to have an artist of Karolien's stature coming to the Samhlaiocht Gallery," added Trish Thompson, Curator of the Samhlaiocht Gallery. "Karolien's photographs capture the essence of Cuba, its musicians and its people. I just fell in love with the work and had to show it in Samhlaiocht."

The Samhlaiocht Gallery is located in the old Presbytery next to St. John's Parish Church in the centre of Tralee on Lower Castle Street. 'In Search of Music' opens on Wednesday, 27th of June, at 7.30pm

Opening times at the Gallery are Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 5:00 pm. Everyone is welcome.