iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

A jaunty Saturday afternoon touring “The Historic Peninsula of Mahon” with Cllr. Kieran McCarthy and in the footsteps of the storied Murphy, Dunne, and Crawford families.

020

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Fascinating conversation today at Cork Public Museum between artist-archivist Barbara Diener and art historian Sabine Kriebel, who offered compelling insights into the exhibition, The Rocket’s Red Glare, which runs until 3 October at The Lord Mayor’s Pavilion. sample-studios.com/exhibitions/...

051

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Comhghairdeas mór le hAoibhie McCarthy (Artistic Director, Sample-Studios) agus gach finné – considered, robust representation on culture and arts infrastructure at today's Seanad Public Consultation Committee. Watch back here: www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachta... @oireachtasnews.bsky.social

000

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Farewell, Stephanie Cole – unforgettable as Dr Beatrice Mason in the brilliant Tenko. Stephanie Cole (1941-2026) www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...

1123

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

✨ Seeking something tasty for #CultureNight in Galway? Look no further than Galway Arts Centre, where the very brilliant John Rainey and I will be having the chats about sculpture, classical bodies, and a wee bit of queer joy! Free, all welcome 💫 www.galwayartscentre.ie/whats-on/cul...

010

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

There’s a great opportunity at the moment in the Butler Gallery, Kilkenny to encounter a rich concentration of works by artists Tony O’Malley and Jane O'Malley. The Shared Studio runs until 26 October and is well worth a visit. www.butlergallery.ie/whats-on/ton...

031

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Kilkenny! I’m so looking forward to giving this evening’s O’Malley Talk at the Butler Gallery. Tony O’Malley: Work from the Sixties revisited 6pm All welcome! It’ll feature these two favourites from @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social www.butlergallery.ie/whats-on/the...

111

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Huge congratulations to Prof. Tom Birkett and @norsemap.bsky.social on a superb launch at St Peter’s last evening. A total treat to chat with reenactors and listen to the unforgettable Einar Selvik in the heart of Cork. Thrilling! More about the project and iViking app here: www.ucc.ie/en/norsemap/

162

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

One of the highlights of the past week was this ‘in conversation’ event with artist Thaís Muniz and Dr Eve Olney, moderated by Dawn Williams. It was part of #ArtistsFilmInternational, presented by @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social in partnership with @triskelartscentre.bsky.social.

000

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

When Dolly Parton performed in Cork back in 2008, it rained so hard the Marquee leaked. She joked that she always knew she’d die on stage. As Dolly leaves the stage for the last time, it’s apt that it should be raining in Cork. Seek out her music and spend time with Dolly Parton’s America podcast 🤍

260

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Farewell Uncle Ollie Dr Oliver Waldron (1943-2026) was a charismatic figure in my childhood; a champion swimmer, Irish international rugby player, and Oxford Blue with a DPhil in nuclear physics, a businessman and, above all, a devoted family man. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam rip.ie/death-notice...

040

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Papped for @irishexaminer.bsky.social by the very brilliant Clare Keogh! It was a joy to buddy up with my colleague Dr Chiara Chillè for a #HeritageWeek talk on conservation, documentation, and Daniel Maclise’s The Falconer (1853) in @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social’s collection.

061

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

In the footsteps of Joseph Stafford Gibson… Calle del Chorro, Albarracín in 1907 and 2026 Monochrome watercolour from the collection @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social

032

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Great to see among the Barryscourt mediation one Richard “Hellgate” Barry (reputedly) in Nathaniel Grogan’s North Gate Bridge (c.1794), licenced by yours truly from the collection of @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social

041

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

A day well spent in East Cork and huge kudos to @opwireland.bsky.social and @irishheritagetrust.bsky.social for their impeccable work at Barryscourt Castle and Fota House, respectively. Exceptional heritage experiences mediated by superb guides. All of the stars!

150

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Tony & Jane O’Malley: The Shared Studio will soon open at Butler Gallery, Kilkenny and I’m thrilled to have been invited to participate in the accompanying talks series. My talk, “Tony O’Malley: Work from the Sixties revisited”, is at 6pm Thursday 10 September! www.butlergallery.ie/whats-on/the...

030

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

One of the very best gigs I’ve ever been at was The Swell Season in 2009 @theeverymancork.bsky.social. Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, The Frames, Lisa Hannigan… The atmosphere was just electric and, sitting high up at the back of ‘the gods’ with my brothers, you couldn’t help but fall under a spell.

040

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

It’s two years today since the inimitable Edna O’Brien and Éibhear Walshe both left us. We are the better for having had them so long in our midst and Irish letters continues to benefit from their words and thought.

095

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

A spot of window (un)dressing for John Rainey’s superb solo show, Deviations, at Galway Arts Centre, complete with dazzle camouflage and cheeky colour pops! One for @museumbums.bsky.social 👍🏛️🍑

020

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

I know, right. But at least it doesn’t gut its source like his Death on the Nile, which plays as a dull Kardashian nuptials set against green screen. (Amazing how many cancelled celebs they cast too!)

110

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

It’s odd that a director and actor who triumphed with Shakespeare (Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet) should be so wide of the mark with adapting Christie. Ironic then that his “supernatural” A Haunting in Venice should be the most lively of Branagh’s three Poirot films.

001

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Dipping my toes into Kenneth Branagh’s Death on the Nile (2022) and it is mesmerisingly dreadful. The shoddy script makes his leaden Murder on the Orient Express seem thrilling in comparison, while the artificiality of its settings drains all the life Gadot’s line delivery didn’t already extinguish.

210

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Deviations, John Rainey’s solo show at Galway Arts Centre, is sensational! Suffused with subtle mischief, the exhibition achieves a sensuality and animality that tips into eroticism and kink. All of the stars 💫❤️‍🔥🫦 It runs until 27 September. Go see!

010

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

I *think* Marc O’Sullivan Vallig wrote something for the Examiner a few years back 🤔 Got a closer look at Pat O’Sullivan and Mick Wilkins’ sculptures today. Glad to see the latter’s dedication plaque (with misspelled Terence MacSwiney!) hasn’t been put back yet.

110

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

The end of a considerable era as St Augustine’s Church in Cork had its last mass today. Built in 1942 and extended in 1972, it has stunning dalle de verre windows by Gabriel Loire. It was also the city’s most recent home to the Augustinians, who first came to Cork in the late 13th century.

030

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

In between a place to be and where we are, created by @stephendoyleart.bsky.social during a Cork Pride residency in 2022, reflects our built safe spaces and the LGBTQ+ community in Cork, namely members of @gayprojectirl.bsky.social and LINQ. Images © Stephen Doyle

000

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Stephen Doyle’s Our Nest is currently on show @rha-arts.bsky.social, while Dylan is ainm dom… (2018) is on loan from @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social to Highlanes Gallery for the exhibition, To Land: Living Roots Awaken.

100

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Roll up, roll up! Excited to be joining the very brilliant @stephendoyleart.bsky.social in conversation to mark the acquisition of 'In between a place to be and where we are' by Cork City Council. 6pm Thursday 16 July Reserve your free spot via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.ie/e/in-convers...

120

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

‘Everyone here is a work of art.’ 🩵🩷🤍 Cork Trans+ Pride 🩵🩷🤍

051

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Sample-Studios’ annual members summer exhibition runs at The Lord Mayor’s Pavilion, Cork until 23 August sample-studios.com/exhibitions/...

100

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Heartiest congratulations to the 44 exhibiting artists at Sample-Studios’ annual members summer exhibition. Lovely words from fellow Board member Emer Yip, as well as Kim-Ling Morris and Matthew Whyte, marking the 15th anniversary of this key and vibrant part of Ireland’s visual arts infrastructure.

120

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Farewell to Michael Byrne, a fine actor and sometime enemy / ally of Jack Ryan, Indiana Jones, and James Bond. www.theguardian.com/stage/2026/j...

010

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Superb paper by @claireon.bsky.social on Irish artist James Barry @glucksman.bsky.social this evening as part of the 200 Years of Caesarean Section pre-conference event celebrating the legacy of Dr James Barry. @npec-ucc.bsky.social

020

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Excited to be contributing to this evening’s 200 Years of Caesarean Section pre-conference talks @ucc.ie focusing on artist James Barry and the legacy he left his sister’s child, Dr James Barry. It will feature this painting purchased by Cooper Penrose, now in @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social.

020

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Doneraile Court opened to the public #onthisday in 2019 following conservation work by @opwireland.bsky.social. A joy to be there on the day and to have revisited many times since as its offering continues to grow. Well worth a visit!

010

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

The chat was mighty last Saturday at Stephen Brandes’ The Skiapod of Ballymaccus (if this photo of us is anything to go by). The exhibition is a real treat and runs Mon-Fri until 24 July at LHQ Gallery. 📷 Paul La Rocque

011

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Thanks to all who came along to LHQ Gallery earlier today to hear Stephen Brandes and I chat about his current exhibition. A total pleasure! The Skiapod of Ballymaccus is open Monday-Friday until 24 July 🐦

010

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Great to attend the launch of Sulphur, a new solo show by Orla Whelan, which runs at the Lavit Gallery, Cork until 11 July ✨

010

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

The Skiapod of Ballymaccus! At a loose end this Saturday 20 June? Join me and the inimitable Stephen Brandes at 12pm at LHQ Gallery, Cork for a conversation about his current solo exhibition and new body of work. Reserve your free spot to avoid disappointment: arts@corkcoco.ie

100

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Further debasement at the hands of City Council. What have we done to deserve these crash barriers 🫠

113

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Stasis Field, Kathy Prendergast’s magnetic solo show runs until 30 May @kerlingallery.bsky.social 🌚

030

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

It’s two years since Dr Flicka Small left us 🤍

100

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Opening this Saturday! Install is nearing completion on To Land: Living Roots Awaken, a new exhibition at Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda in partnership with @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social. Here’s a sneak peek at works by Nuala O’Donovan and Elizabeth Magill… crawfordartgallery.ie/highlanes-ga...

$A pale coloured ceramic sculpture formed of fractals based on the structure of a teasel. It is reflected on a black mirrored surface beneath.$

184

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Who Will Tell the Bees? (2018) by Anne Kiely and Mary Palmer is an art quilt that addresses this particular tradition. It will be featured in To Land: Living Roots Awaken (23 May – 9 Aug) at Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda, as part of a loan partnership with @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social. #WorldBeeDay

080

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

If you happen to be near Drogheda this Saturday, or during the summer, be sure to check out To Land: Living Roots Awaken (23 May – 9 Aug) at Highlanes Gallery, presented in partnership with @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social! crawfordartgallery.ie/highlanes-ga...

120

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

What a complete privilege and delight to have been at the Arsenale last week to celebrate the launch of DREAMSHOOK, Isabel Nolan’s stunning Irish pavilion at the #VeniceBiennale. Heartiest congratulations to Isabel, Georgina Jackson, Cian O’Brien, and The Douglas Hyde and Ireland at Venice teams ✨

040

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

So wonderful to celebrate Rebecca Murphy this evening at the launch of her debut novel, Blood and Water, published by @mercierpress.bsky.social! www.mercierpress.ie/books/blood-...

041

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

🏳️‍🌈❤️🤍🏳️‍⚧️ Big love to the organisers of Cork LGBTI+ Awareness Week and congratulations on the warmth and inclusion of this evening’s launch at Cork City Hall. Beautiful words of remembrance for Siobhán O’Dowd, keynote by Senator @lauraharmon.bsky.social, and heart-lifting tones from Choral Con Fusion!

042

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

So gorgeous to be present for yesterday’s The Spirits of Maritime Crossing performances by Amanda Coogan, Mutmee Pimdao, and Pichet Klunchun against the backdrop of works by Parada Wiratsawee, Sornchai Phongsa, Lê Hiền Minh, Marina Abramović, and others at the Palazzo Rocca Contarini Corfù, Venice.

020

Michael Waldron @michaelwaldron.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

This portrait of Nano Nagle and her pupils @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social is one of a number of extant versions, possibly after an engraving (1809) by Charles Turner or an untraced original painting. The view outside the window differs between iterations, but this one likely features Red Abbey.

131