Inspired by the mythical water creatures of the River Shannon in Ireland, Ollphéist (transl. Fabulous Beasts) brings the tradition of storytelling into the digital world, facilitating new interpretations of our folklore through GIFs. What is the potential of everyday technologies to tell stories? How might oral cultures be imagined in visual form? During the lockdown period in Ireland, the Memory of Water artists will contribute to this digital exhibition of GIFs displayed from sunset to sunrise in the windows of local businesses in Limerick City, showing alongside eighteen local and international artists. For those living outside the 5km radius of Limerick City Centre, the artists’ work will be published on the Ormston House Instagram throughout level 5 restrictions from the Plan for Living with COVID-19.

Ollphéist is curated by Caimin Walsh, Projects Curator at Ormston House. The project is supported by Creative Ireland and Limerick City & County Council through a Creative Ireland: Made in Limerick grant.