A new installation at The Mermaid by Cork-based artist Evgeniya Martirosyan, presents artworks that examine how knowledge can be manipulated and how information degrades over time. A sculptural installation composed of books in multiple languages, alongside maps, personal documents and photographs, evokes a classroom environment shaped by control and repetition, yet de-stabilised by corrosion.
The exhibition title ‘3+5’ refers to recent events in the artist’s country of origin, Russia. Following the 2022 escalation of the conflict with Ukraine, the word “war” was replaced by the phrase “Special Military Operation.” The coded message 3+5 references the structure of the Russian phrase “нет войне” – “No to War”, or, 3+5 letters – which emerged as a substitute for anti-war statements which are currently problematic in Russia. School history textbooks continue to be rewritten in line with state narratives, while many publications are restricted or removed from circulation.
3+5 has been produced with the support of an Arts Council Bursary Award, supported by the National Sculpture Factory, with the assistance of Zbyszek Owczarek. The exhibition was previously shown at LHQ Gallery, Co Cork.
Image: © Jed Niezgoda
The exhibition continues at Mermaid Arts Centre until July 18th.
Open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm, and later on performance evenings.
