‘Tribes and Tribulations’ – a solo exhibition by Helen Merrigan Colfer, curated by Fermanagh’s Noelle McAlinden – is currently on display at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, following its launch last Friday night (February 3).

Producing mainly resin and bronze figurative sculptures which are precise and elegant, Helen is also presenting audio-visual work, including her most recent, ‘Covid Diaries’ – a series of paintings and illustrations created during lockdown which express wit, humour and sensitivity through a challenging situation.

“We all want to feel as if we belong, that we are not alone, that we are part of a group or tribe that love, support and nurture us,” said Helen, noting that from the moment a person is born, they are trying to find their tribe “in the home, in the schoolyard, in places of education and prayer, in our work spaces, in the physical landscape we inhabit, in the people we meet in our social and professional lives”.

She continued: “Finding your tribe can force us to put up a front, or wear a mask as we try to conform to a group mentality.

“Initially, we might not be aware that we are altering our own internal patterns in order to be accepted, but over time we become aware that we are not being true to ourselves.

“We then face the choice of compromising what we hold to be true, or breaking free and searching for a new tribe.

“In my art, I investigate my personal journey from childhood to adulthood as I attempt to make sense of who I am and my journey to find my tribe, to find contentment and acceptance of myself; is that journey complete or still under way?

“I attempt to create an emotional memoir of my evolving internal landscape.”

Helen’s strong sense of place has informed sculptures that are influenced by her coastal surroundings.

“My love of nature has also become organically enmeshed in my work. My sculptures are totems to experiences reminding us that we are stronger than our younger selves ever knew.

“They are also aspirational – we ourselves are our most precious and powerful influence, a reminder to harness our own personal power.

“In this exhibition, tribulations are investigated and given form, sometimes harshly, sometimes more subtly. There is darkness and light and all shades in between.

“I hope that the observer will see within the body of work glimpses of obstacles overcame layered with hope and joy,” said Helen.

The ‘Tribes and Tribulations’ exhibition will run at the Strule Arts Centre until March 11.