‘Beasts of the Modern Age’

Collaboration between Red Bird Youth Collective, artists Jojo Hynes & Taim Haimet coordinated by Soňa Šmédková. Supported by Galway Arts Centre and funded by The Arts Councils Young Ensemble Scheme 2024. An exhibition where ancient Irish myths are reimagined for today’s social justice issues. Jojo’s collaborative workshops with the young people created VR Worlds, poetry, socially engaged themes, protest signs, printmaking & storytelling that brings the legendary beings back to life as guardians of land, sea, and sky. Taim Haimet facilitated the young artists to develop their characters into designs & create 3D clay models & wearable performance masks inspired by their myths. The exhibition was curated through a collaboration with everyone involved and showcased at Árus na nGael on 6th September 2025. The VR Worlds were video mapped on to the wall into shapes chosen by the young people, their audio poetry was played through speakers. The VR worlds were also playable by the audience on an iPad that was linked to a large screen.

Video Documentation by Emma Zukovic

Photo Documentation by Tom Flanagan