BASIC TALKS ~ PATHOS ~ May 2026, NCAD
1pm, 8/5/2026
Harry Clarke Lecture Theatre, National College of Art & Design,Dublin 8
Image: Clare Keogh
Basic Space is delighted to present PATHOS for our May BASIC TALK - 1pm on Friday the 8th of May 2026, Harry Clarke Lecture Theatre, NCAD. Book tickets here
Proximity, Policy and Practice
Ailbhe McDaid (PATHOS Principal Investigator), Chloe Brenan(Visual Artist) & Paul McKinley (Visual Artist).
This PATHOS x Basic Talks event will explore how global conflict extends beyond borders, how artists engage with conflict from different proximities, and the relationship between art and policy. Hosted by PATHOS-lead Dr Ailbhe McDaid, the event will feature PATHOS participant Paul McKinley (visual artist) and PATHOS affiliate Chloe Brenan (visual artist). McKinley will discuss his work which engages with the theme conflict, while Brenan will share her experiences as an artist and educator working with cultural institutions. The conversation will particularly explore the development of policies to support artists making work in the context of conflict, and the role of cultural institutions in building solidarities in times of geopolitical upheaval. The discussion will also engage with the PATHOS Guiding Principles, published by TULCA in 2025 (available here).
PATHOS (Pathologies of Violence: Inscriptions of Global Conflict in Irish Artistic Practice 1922-present) is a Research Ireland-funded project documenting the development of global ethical citizenship in Irish art and writing over the past one hundred years. The PATHOS team is Ailbhe McDaid (PI), Julie Morrissy and Leah Smith. The project situates Irish artistic practice in a global context by considering how international conflict reaches Irish shores. In 2025, PATHOS ran a Workshop Series at the Glucksman in Cork, featuring thirteen Irish and Irish-based writers and artists. In 2025, PATHOS participated in the Dublin Book Festival and TULCA Festival of Visual Arts, curated by Beulah Ezuego. www.pathos-project.com
BASIC TALKS is a series of informal talks with leading contemporary practitioners. Curated by Basic Space in partnership with the Hugh Lane Gallery, BASIC TALKS is an open platform for lectures, workshops, presentations and performances. Speakers include artists, curators, writers and critics who generate discourse on producing, framing and exhibiting art.
Book your free tickets here
For the months of March, April and May 2026, Hugh Lane Gallery & Basic Space are delighted to have the Basic Talks programme hosted by the National College of Art & Design. Google map link HERE
This talk is presented as part of the HLG Explore & Learn offsite programmes during the Gallery’s period of temporary closure.
Address: The talk will take place in the Harry Clarke Lecture Theatre The National College of Art & Design (NCAD), 100 Thomas St, Usher’s Quay, Dublin 8, D08 K521.