Samir Mahmood on States, Stations: In Conversation at Luan Gallery, Athlone

Luan Gallery in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, hosts an intimate, free public conversation that pulls contemporary art into the center of a traveller’s itinerary: In Conversation Event with Samir Mahmood in Luan Gallery brings the artist and Luan Gallery Curator Aoife Banks together to trace the ideas behind Mahmood’s solo exhibition States, Stations. Over roughly three hours, the pair move through specific works, materials and processes to illuminate themes of perception, materiality and embodied consciousness.

For visitors who arrived for hiking, cycling or riverfront exploration, this is the kind of cultural stop that recharges a day outdoors: the event is wheelchair accessible, suitable for all ages and free to attend, with a recommended advance booking for a limited group of about 40. Expect close reading of artworks rather than a formal lecture—Mahmood and Banks foreground practical demonstrations and conversational unpacking of how objects occupy space, how surfaces respond to light, and how viewers’ perceptions shift in real time.

Key features include the exhibition States, Stations itself: an assembly of works that emphasize material tactility and perceptual play, and a live conversation that reveals the processes behind those pieces. The session offers visitors insight into contemporary studio practices and curatorial decision-making and invites questions during a moderated Q&A. The event’s support from the Arts Council ties it into a broader cultural program across Ireland, making it a meaningful stop for those tracing Irish arts initiatives.

Practicalities are straightforward. The session runs about three hours; language is English; group size is limited; booking ahead via the event link is advised. Bring notes or a sketchbook if you want to capture ideas, and arrive a little early to secure seating. Because the talk is conversational and often close to the artwork, mobility access is confirmed; if you have specific needs, contact the gallery in advance.

Why book this when visiting Athlone? It’s an opportunity to see an artist explain material choices and to hear a curator reveal the logic behind installation—rare access for travellers who usually only encounter art at surface level. For culture-minded hikers and paddlers, the talk adds depth to a visit and connects local recreation with contemporary cultural life. Whether you’re an art student, a curious traveler, or someone seeking a thoughtful indoor complement to outdoor adventure, this event unpacks making and meaning with clarity and warmth.

Expect close attention to surface detail: lacquered panels, paper, fabric, and manipulated found objects often feature in Mahmood’s practice, and Banks will clarify how conservation, framing and installation shape experience. Families will find the pace welcoming: questions are encouraged and younger attendees often respond to material demonstrations. Aim to arrive with comfortable shoes and an openness to slow looking—this talk rewards curiosity. Always.