Mary Laheen was one of five creative directors of the Ireland pavilion exhibition, at the 18th Venice Architettura Biennale 2023, titled In Search of Hy-Brasil.

In this episode, we discuss the significance of islands as we re-imagine the future. This idea is of particular interest to me as I continue my research, after completing my PhD on how the atmosphere of islandness can be conveyed through the photographic image.

Mary and I met in Venice during the finissage period when Australia and Ireland co-hosted an event with Scotland, titled Wanderlands. It was during this period, we found synergies between each of our pavilions, with some shared experiences as island nations navigating our history of colonisation by the British Empire.

In this third episode we cover:

• the theme of islands that underlies the exhibition concept In Search of Hy-Brasil

• how the exhibition draws inspiration from the mythological island of Hy-Brasil and the islands off the coast of Ireland.

• what we can learn from islands, particularly in terms of the nature-culture dynamic and the resilience and creativity fostered by living in island communities.

• designing an exhibition that is an atmospheric or sensory experience rather than a more traditional explanation-driven style

• the role of mythology in understanding islands and the connections between isolation, belonging and creativity.

• the importance of decolonisation and decarbonisation in architectural practice and Mary’s interest in exploring new ways of building with sustainable materials and technologies

• parallels between island life in Ireland and Tasmania, highlighting shared experiences of living on the periphery and the creative freedom that comes with it, and

• reflections on future collaborations and the ongoing journey of exploring innovative approaches to architecture and design.