A new exhibition by Swedish Irish artist Freya Porritt Wessman will animate the heart of Limerick’s Nicholas Street this winter.
Presented in collaboration between Limerick School of Art and Design and Limerick City and County Council, and funded through Creative Ireland, the project brings contemporary animation, drawing and storytelling into one of the city’s most historic quarters. Freya’s practice is rooted in a deep connection to landscape, folklore and mythology, drawing equally on her Irish and Scandinavian heritage.
‘Moncha’ at No.19 Nicholas Street
The first of the unique animated installations ‘Moncha’ offers a glimpse into the story of a simple shepherd, his sheep, and his days spent on the hilly slopes of his small island. Inspired by both Celtic and Nordic traditions, the story reflects on grief, perseverance and healing.
‘Moncha’ has travelled widely, with international screenings at Galway Film Fleadh, Dingle Animation Festival, Waterford Film Festival, Sediocorto in Italy and the Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival in Australia. It has received multiple awards, including Best Irish Student and Best Design/Art Direction at RTÉjr Animation Dingle Awards 2025.
Running Time MONCHA : 00:06:02 mins
The Quiet Eye’ at No.29 Nicholas Street
The second film, ‘The Quiet Eye’, is a visual response to John Tavener’s musical composition Towards Silence, which draws inspiration from St. Flannan’s Cathedral in Killaloe. Premiered at the Killaloe Music Festival 2025, the animation reflects on spiritual rhythm, architecture and the dialogue between sound, stone and water.
Running Time: 00:16:42 mins
'Poly’ at No.17 Nicholas Street (Seamless Sewing Studio)
A third installation, ‘Poly’, investigates the sound of the non-linear line. An abstract exploration of chaos, order and continuity. It was created early in 2023 as part of a collaboration with talented musician and composer Katherine Hunka for the Whittington Festival UK. It was created as a visual exploration of the tandem between line and sound. The chaos of the mind and the subtle art of remaining present within the quakes of uncertainty.
Running Time: 00:03:05 mins
‘Pathtaker ’at Treaty City Brewery
Fourth Installation named ‘Pathtaker ’,
Pathtaker is a fun, short animated sequence featuring the wandering of creatures.
It touches on the revolving nature of the path and the path maker. Ultimately, it is a fun visual exploration of the steps taken, journeys encouraged, worlds explored, and stories collected. Each step is an adventure to be explored, no matter how peculiar.
It was initially created in the hope of bringing fun, wonder, and wonder to those who may stumble upon it.
Running Time: 00:04:05 mins
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Nicholas Street, Limerick
