Lorraine Whelan - Artworking Project at Klinga Pharma

Hand in Hand
Klinge Pharma Killorglin, Co. Kerry
May - August 1995

"The arts & industry rarely acknowledge or openly explore their interconnecting roles, yet creativity is increasingly accepted as an important factor in the workplace. Likewise artists depend on industrial resources -- technical & human -- in the development of their work. The Art & Industry Placement Programme aims to describe what happens when art & industry meet." (from programme brief)

During my placement at Klinge Pharma, I spent a number of weeks sketching people in a variety of jobs and speaking with them about their work. I wanted to focus on the human touch in industry: the interaction of people with machines, showing aspects of individuality, craftsmanship, & skill. From the research drawings, I created an installation of paintings in the canteen which focus on and monumentalise the hands of the workers -- the actual people behind the factory!

Click on the small images right to view larger images from this body of work.