Miriam McConnon's Remains of Daraa at Art Evolve 2025 Fair, RDS, Dublin, 4-6 April

The Olivier Cornet Gallery is delighted to showcase Miriam McConnon's 'Remains of Daraa' at ART EVOLVE 2025, RDS, Dublin, April 4 to April 6, 2025.

This work will feature at our stand no 27, alongside other works by the artist and by the following artists we represent: Annika Berglund, Hugh Cummins,  Eoin Mac Lochlainn,  Yanny Petters and Kelly Ratchford. We will also showcase work by three artists from our AGA group: Mary A. Fitzgerald, David Fox and Nickie Hayden.

About 'Remains of Daraa' (oil on canvas, 50x50cm)

Miriam McConnon's painting ‘Remains of Daraa’ is part of her most recent body of work: The Refugee’s Armour.

It reflects McConnon’s focus on themes of displacement, memory, and resilience. The work is part of the artist’s broader exploration of human narratives, often tied to the experiences of refugees and those affected by conflict. This particular painting draws inspiration from the ancient city of Daraa in Syria, a site steeped in history and symbolic of endurance through adversity.

Daraa, located in Syria, was transformed into a fortified Roman outpost in the early 6th century AD under Emperor Anastasius. In recent times, Daraa has become emblematic of Syria's enduring struggles during its civil war. The city has witnessed violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises as part of broader regional instability. Despite these challenges, it remains a symbol of resilience for Syrians who continue to endure hardship while striving for peace and dignity.

McConnon's painting captures the layered history and emotional weight of Daraa. The muted tones and abstracted architectural forms evoke both the physical remnants of the ancient city and the intangible scars left by conflict. Her work often seeks to preserve personal stories and collective memories, offering a voice to those displaced by war. In this context, ‘Remains of Daraa’ can be seen as an homage to the city's enduring spirit amidst destruction.

By intertwining historical significance with contemporary narratives of resilience, McConnon's painting invites reflection on both the ancient city's legacy and its relevance in today's global struggles against war and displacement.

Other works from the artist's series The Refugee's Armour are currently shown as part of a touring group exhibition 'What do we want?'. The exhibition, first shown at our gallery in April/May 2024 and later at QSS Belfast, was shortlisted by Gemma Tipton as one of Ireland's top 10 exhibitions of 2024. It is presenty on view at An Gailearaí, Gweedore, Donegal.

Three other work by the artist will be displayed in our booth: Black Bible - Aaron's Story, No more time for lego blocks and No more time for learning.

We will also have a selection of other small works by the artist, available in storage at the fair, just ask us if you'd like to see them: 
Koran Shelter – Ali’s Story and Toys for Tools – Khaled’s Stor for instance.

For more information about our participation in the fair, please visit our previous blog post:

Art Evolve, a brand-new contemporary art fair showcasing the very best of Ireland’s contemporary art scene.