Emma Scully 2026
Transcending Stones

Emma Scully

Transcending Stones

5 to 31 January 2026

Studio open to the public on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

The proposed activity is to develop a multidisciplinary, socially engaged project centred around the body and the Irish landscape. Specifically focusing on Queer bodies and standing stones in West Cork. The project involves photographing, casting, and positioning a variety of bodies—male, female, transgender, and non-binary—to echo the formation of ancient stone circles.
Through printmaking, sculpture, textiles, and photography, I will explore and compare the symbolic and physical similarities between the scars, curves, forms and textures of human bodies to the stones scattered across the land.

The project seeks to honour the subtle markings, beauty, and resilience of the body—particularly transgender individuals—at a time when trans rights are increasingly under threat globally. While grounded in LGBTQ+ experience, it is not solely a Queer project, but one about shared human connection. The land holds us all—and always has. It is a work about belonging: to oneself, to community, and to place.

My artistic goals are to, conduct extensive material research, collaborate with up to 17 participants—one for each stone at Drombeg. Engage with Transgender Equality Network Ireland and to develop a series of etchings based on the research
This project brings together Queer history, Irish mythology, and contemporary trans narratives in a time of political unrest. It is an act of solidarity and a love letter to those who exist outside imposed binaries. It offers them a chance to see their bodies in a historical context. That they have always been here and have always been part of the land.

Emma Scully is a West Cork based visual and socially engaged artist. In 2022 she completed a BA in Fine Art Printmaking at the National College of Art & Design.
Her practice is rooted in feminism and surrealism, exploring solitude, the human form, and the Irish landscape. Her work looks at current political issues with recent projects collaborating with people experiencing homelessness and the LGBTQ+ community.
Alongside her studio practice, she is a professional printmaker, arts facilitator and educator. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally, from Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast to London, New York, Chicago and Miami.

Instagram: @emmascully.artist
Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmascullyartist/
www.emmascullyart.com

Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre acknowledges the financial support of The Arts Council  / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and The Crespo Foundation in making this residency possible.