11th of April – 23th of May Exhibition run
Fri 16th of May – launch event 6pm
Roscommon Arts Centre, in partnership with Disrupt Disability Arts Festival, is delighted to present ‘I Want To Ask A Question’, a solo exhibition by David Parnell is a recent collection of digital, rhythmic poetry by David. The artworks utilises eye gaze technology to craft original arrangements that visually compose words: the pace invites viewers to think things through with the artist. Lines such as, “the trees don’t stare” and “do and be, because to come has come” emphasise not just the benefits of coexisting with the natural world, but of finding, typically in nature, a space devoid of judgement. David challenges us not to turn away from uncomfortable truths. Through the movement of text across projections, screens and gallery walls, we are implored to widen our own gaze; to deeply reconsider the conditions that allow every person to be truly themselves.
A further key work in the exhibition is the film ‘Cabbage’ by Holly Márie Parnell created in collaboration with David. An intimate work, it considers the relationship between empathy and the politics of care. It centralises David’s writings and their mother’s reflections on having to prove her son’s humanity. Moving between the contrasts of lived experience and bureaucratic violence, the film examines the complexities of bodily autonomy within an ableist paradigm.
About the artist
David Parnell (b. 1990) is based in County Wexford, Ireland. He is a non-verbal and non-mobile person who uses eye tracking technology to communicate. This technology tracks the movement of his retinas to become the mouse on a computer screen. In this way, his eyes are his voice, and he uses this technology to write poetry.
David is an emerging writer; in 2020, he was invited by UK-based art critics The White Pube to undertake a residency on their website for a month. He received an overwhelming amount of positive reviews and support, which led him to continue down the path of writing. In 2022, David was one half of the recipient award for the VAI Experiment Award with his sister, Holly Márie Parnell. This award allowed him to craft a larger body of work which was used towards the Arts Council-funded film ‘Cabbage’ in 2023 where he was a collaborator and featured subject of his sister’s film. In 2024 David exhibited at Project Arts Centre with Disrupt Disability Arts Festival, as part of the group exhibition ‘Distinct’ curated by AlanJames Burns. These recent experiences have led David to explore his own creative career further, and he is currently working towards his first book.
Many Thanks: ‘I Want To Ask A Question’ is supported by: The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Roscommon Arts Centre, Disrupt Disability Arts Festival, Roscommon County Council.
