Travels

‘Travels’ was an art installation exhibited in Havana on March 17th 2016. It featured the subway lines of three men; the artist Padraig Tarrant, revolutionary Che Guevara and republican Eamon de Valera. The ‘stops’ on the lines represented the migration of these men. The exhibition raised the question of not only how travel influences oneself but of how it influences those we meet.

Individuals go through similar migrations in their lifetimes, through childhood and education, their formative years, through to perhaps raising a family. For two of these men their travels included rebellion and revolution.

These ‘subway lines’ plot  physical migration, movement, and intellectual development. Not only did their travels affect their view of the world but also spurred them to action. The lives of the individuals they met were changed as a consequence. This piece was shown in a one-off exhibit in Havana. The piece was designed on a vinyl transfer and secured to the gallery walls. Inspiration was taken from the underground train systems around the world, including NYC and London. The piece was initially inspired by a desire to document what the artist had learned from his own migrations and what he had brought with him from each ‘stop’. The exhibit gave the viewer an opportunity to reflect on their own travels.

The piece was based on an original work by the artist, which articulated his travels and the influence travel has on the lives of others. There is a shared connection between Ireland and Cuba; through both heritage and a love for the island nations. All three men represented in the work have travelled extensively, particularly on the American continents. The influence of Che’s travels, beginning with his motorcycle trip, fueled his revolutionary spirit. De Valera’s 18 months traveling through North America raised vital funds and rallied support for what would become the Irish Free State just two years after his trip. The artist himself has moved from Ireland to the UK to the US, learning as he went. He has raised two children in America, with strong Irish roots.

The exhibition highlighted not only how travel brings about change in oneself but also change to those around us.