Laura Ní Fhlaibhín sifts stories, materials and traces associated with site, memory and mythology to create complex but pithy material scenarios. She frequently integrates paraphernalia and histories associated with notions of care and healing into sculptural assemblages and drawings. Intertwining narratives from folk traditions, personal experiences and scientific investigations, she creates spaces for restoration and ritual.

For Commonage, Ní Fhlaibhín has designed a nourishing atmosphere in which a cutting from a weeping willow propagates and grows. The weeping willow has been long associated for their healing properties, as the salicin from the bark can be used as a pain reliever as it contains a chemical similar to that in aspirin. By creating this eco-system, Ní Fhlaibhín invites us to consider our entanglements with the natural world and the fusion of magic and science or myth and fact.

On Saturday 9th March, at 11am to coincide with Laura’s exhibition, Phytology/ Bethnal Green Nature Reserve will lead a tour focusing on their medicinal garden. After the tour there will be an opportunity to visit the exhibition and Laura will introduce the work, chat about the medicinal themes in the project. 

To book a place please email us at info@commonageprojects.com

Attendees are invited to give a suggested donation of £5 to the Reserve, or whatever they can afford.  We will meet at the Middleton Street entrance of Bethnal Green Nature Reserve (E2 9RR) 

Laura Ní Fhlaibhín completed her MFA at Goldsmiths, in 2019. Selected solo and two person shows include: ‘Banana Accelerationism’, The Complex, Dublin, ’Wet suction spins forever’, Belmacz, London 2023, ‘Wet Wishes’ Britta Rettberg gallery, Munich 2023 and ‘Róisín, Silver, Rockie’, Palfrey London 2020. She is recipient of Gilbert Bayes Sculpture Award 2024.