Phronesis - an exciting new exhibition at the Watergate in Kilkenny

Phronesis is the title of an exciting new exhibition in the Watergate Theatre which runs until the end of this month.

It’s a Greek word meaning common sense or wisdom gained through practical activity and experience. 

Philip Cullen was Artist-in- Residence to the Watergate theatre during the intense pandemic period when society had been devastated. Inspiration had to be found in nature nearby. Even in the darkness of those days there was beauty and opportunity.

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From 2019 to 2023 many of us lived in fear of illness or the dramatic effects on society and culture provoked by that fear. This important feeling has helped humanity to survive through countless challenges over time. However chronic fear is damaging to life and well-being. 

The residency gave him a chance to ponder the disease and the response to it, to experience this interesting period in Irish history and to express observations and feelings in a creative way. There is beauty in every circumstance if only we can see it. He created many paintings, sculptures and short films in that time, some of which are on display in the theatre. They explore themes of loss, renewal, the persistence of life in all its forms as well as frustration with the response to the Pandemic

Cullen trained as an artist in the Crawford College of Art and Design graduating in Fine Art (sculpture). He has worked as a Developmental community artist in Kilkenny, Carlow and Waterford  from 1997 to the present day notably in hospitals with renal patients. He has worked for nine years with men with Acquired Brain Injury making films and documentaries. As a qualified art therapist he maintains a private practice as well as working with a Carlow-based counselling service. He has created public art works under the Per Cent for Art Scheme in places such as Johnswell Primary School, the Garda Training college in Tullamore, Enniscorthy and Kildalton Agricultural college. 

Cullen hopes that maybe common sense can help us to repair the damage done over the years of the pandemic, no matter what beliefs people had, and that we can have a better society based on acceptance of real diversity of thought and opinion rather than tokenism or censorship. 

According to Cullen the last four years need to be examined by us all before they are buried in memory and the valuable lessons lost and the words of Socrates, the Greek philosopher, “the unexamined life is not worth living” considered.