The term “thin place” refers to a location where the veil between the physical and the transcendental appears permeable or “thin”, a mystical space where the boundary between our tangible world and the unseen world seem to touch.  Peatlands (bogs) are considered to have this special characteristic where there is a connection between the material and the numinous.

Thin Place is a continuous artistic journey for Bob Speers as he explores and examines boglands nationwide inspiring new work for this touring exhibition. Bob uses a sample from each bog so that, in essence the bog name is to be found in the painting. Bob’s unique work not only includes material taken from bogs all across Ireland, but he also incorporates commercial paints and discarded household fabrics.

“My art is currently informed by habitual wanderings through different levels of moor and bog. Interest lies in the human and weathering imprint, the subtle colours, lines and incisions on its skin.”

Thin Place launches the 2025 John Hewitt International Summer School Visual Arts programme at the Market Place Gallery.