YES is the culmination of the ULYSSES European Odyssey, the largest-ever Ulysses celebration, which has visited eighteen European cities and concludes in Derry with a celebration of Molly Bloom and her stream-of-conscious monologue in the ‘Penelope’ chapter at the very end of Joyce’s masterpiece.
Following the unveiling of the giant Molly bed public artwork in Ebrington Square earlier this week an installation showcasing Vilnius’ take on the ‘Proteus’ chapter which follows Stephen Dedalus, one of Ulysses principal characters, as he wanders along Sandymount Stand, was placed underneath the Peace Bridge by the River Foyle.
It points out how the Vilnelè river in the Lithuanian capital was used as ‘a metaphor of the city in perpetual change’.
Artists from various riverine communities in Vilnius took part in the project.
"During the residencies three emerging artistic practices, together with residents and communities of Naujoji Vilnia, Paupys and Markučiai co-created temporary site-specific installations along the river's banks.
"The installations reflected different scenarios with local communities as the core issue. They were launched in June 2023 by city partner Vilnius Museum with events fostering the participation of local communities, local administration, real estate developers, artists and experts.
"There is currently discussion about the installations becoming permanent.
"The participating artists were: Vladas Suncovas, artist, and resident of Paupys District; Aurellja Kniukštaité, Joné Virbickaité, Kotryna Bajorinaité, architects and residents of Nauja Vinis District; KAD collective (Margarita Kaučikaité and Evelina Vasilimuskaitë) architects and residents,” interpretive panels now in place below Ebrington explain.
1. The installations reflected different scenarios with local communities as the core issue. They were launched in June 2023 by city partner Vilnius Museum with events fostering the participation of local communities, local administration, real estate developers, artists and experts.
The installations reflected different scenarios with local communities as the core issue. They were launched in June 2023 by city partner Vilnius Museum with events fostering the participation of local communities, local administration, real estate developers, artists and experts. Photo: Kevin Mullan
2. Artists from various riverine communities in Vilnius took part in the project.
Artists from various riverine communities in Vilnius took part in the project. Photo: Kevin Mullan
3. Artists from various riverine communities in Vilnius took part in the project.
Artists from various riverine communities in Vilnius took part in the project. Photo: Kevin Mullan
4. Following the unveiling of the giant Molly bed public artwork in Ebrington Square earlier this week, an installation showcasing Vilnius’ take on the ‘Proteus’ chapter which follows Stephen Dedalus was placed underneath the Peace Bridge by the River Foyle.
Following the unveiling of the giant Molly bed public artwork in Ebrington Square earlier this week, an installation showcasing Vilnius’ take on the ‘Proteus’ chapter which follows Stephen Dedalus was placed underneath the Peace Bridge by the River Foyle. Photo: Kevin Mullan