Songs to the Siren

The Model, Sligo

24 January – 21 March 2026

About

Songs to the Siren takes its title from Tim Buckley’s song, focusing on the feeling of ambiguity and unresolved memory. Conceptually, it explores the dual existence of Irish writer Brian O’Nolan (Flann O’Brien/Myles na gCopaleen), reflecting on the act of concealment and the quiet melancholy that defined his output. The show deliberately resists closure, asking for patience and sustained attention from the viewer.

Image: Linda Quinlan, Uproot, downbeat, 2024, watercolour on paper, 40 x 50 cm

SELECTED PRESS

Songs to the Siren, a new group exhibition curated by Paul Hallahan and Lee Welch, has officially opened at The Model in Sligo. Drawing inspiration from the complex literary legacy of Irish writer Brian O’Nolan (better known as Flann O’Brien or Myles na gCopaleen), the show explores themes of identity, duality, and "quiet sadness."

Irish Examiner

Irish Independent

Art enthusiasts are in for a rare treat as Sligo prepares to host a work by the world’s most famous elusive artist, Banksy. As part of an upcoming local exhibition, this must-see showcase brings international street art to the heart of the Northwest. Discover the story behind the piece and how you can catch this unique cultural event in the link below.

Sligo Weekender

Sligo’s The Model is set to host Songs to the Siren, a group exhibition that prioritizes mood and intuition over fixed meaning. Featuring a diverse range of works from Joyce Pensato to Christy Brown, the exhibition invites visitors to slow down and embrace uncertainty.