THE DUST
Site-specific artwork responding to the buried history of The Complex site
Stone sculpture & live improvisational performance
(Duration 90 mins)
During the development of 'The Dust', a dialogue between Maïa and leading archaeologist Edmond O’Donovan brought to light a carved Dundry stone pillar fragment depicting a Monk in Prayer, uncovered during the excavation of Mary’s Abbey just metres from The Complex’s former gallery entrance. Believed to have formed part of a doorway pillar, the fragment became a defining motif in Maïa’s work. In response, Maïa began stone carving under the guidance of eighth-generation stonemason Killian O’Flaherty at his workshop in Wicklow, recreating the Monk in Prayer motif through the rigorous and repetitive process of carving. This act operates as both material research and memorial gesture, honouring the site’s history and those who once lived there.
Commissioned by The Complex Gallery & Presented at Kirkos in March 2026. Performed by Maïa Nunes with Brendan Jenkinson. Special thanks to the stones, to Kirkos, Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy, to Edmond O’Donovan and Killian O’Flaherty for their generosity and knowledge. Proudly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and Dublin City Council.
Documentation by Patrick Fleming.