A unique art exhibition inspired by Lafcadio Hearn’s ghost stories is now on display.
The new art exhibition “Kwaidan—Encounters with Lafcadio” officially opened last Thursday, December 3. It will run until February 22 at the Hunt Museum.
A Cross-Cultural Artistic Journey
Featuring prints from 40 artists—20 Irish and 20 Japanese—the exhibition draws inspiration from Hearn’s ghostly tales. Each artist selected a story from Hearn’s collection to base their work on, and related pieces are displayed side by side, accompanied by a story outline for visitors to follow. In addition to the artworks, the showcase includes photography, books featuring Hearn’s writings, and loaned items from the University of Limerick (UL). Environmental electronic music, rooted in the Japanese ambient genre is also part of the showcase. It was uniquely composed for the exhibition by Dr Neil O’Connor, who also works as a lecturer at UL.
Lafcadio Hearn was born in Greece and grew up in Ireland. His life brought him to England and the U.S. before leading him to Japan, where he eventually passed away. Kwaidan, written in 1904, is one of his most celebrated works—a collection of eerie ghost stories.
From Dublin to Tokyo and Beyond
The Kwaidan project began in 2017 when Irish artist Stephen Lawlor showcased works in Tokyo inspired by W.B. Yeats and encountered Hearn’s writings. Collaborating with Kate MacDonagh and Ed Miliano, Lawlor developed the concept for this exhibition, which debuted in Dublin and Tokyo in 2019. Since then, it has toured 17 venues worldwide, following Hearn’s journey through England and the U.S. “There are too many people to thank and too many names,” Lawlor remarked at the opening ceremony.
Poster Kwaidan exhibition in front of the Hunt Museum
A Farewell Appearance from Japan’s Ambassador
The Japanese Ambassador, Norio Maruyama, attended the opening ceremony. “This exhibition today—it’s amazing,” he said, noting the close link between the two nations. The event may have marked his final public appearance in Ireland before his departure for Japan later this month.
The exhibition can be visited during the Hunt Museum’s opening hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is €12.50 for adults, with free entry for children under 16. More information is available on the Hunt Museum website.