In historic terms, the name ‘Parnell’ inspires reverence for his questioning ability to advance the cause of Irish nationhood. Today, another Parnell, David Parnell has been asked no less important questions at a recent exhibition of his work at Roscommon Arts Centre.

The exhibition was chimes with one of the themes of this year’s Your Council Day, supporting community spaces. The day is a celebration of the work and services provided by local authorities, nationwide.

in partnership with Disrupt Disability Arts Festival, ‘I Want To Ask A Question’, was a solo exhibition by David of a recent collection of digital, rhythmic poetry which ran for a five week period, concluding at the end of last month.

The artworks utilises eye gaze technology to craft original arrangements that visually compose words: the pace invites viewers to think things through with the artist.

David challenges people not to turn away from uncomfortable truths. Through the movement of text across projections, screens and gallery walls, viewers are implored to widen our own gaze; to deeply reconsider the conditions that allow every person to be truly themselves.

A further key work in the exhibition is the film ‘Cabbage’ by Holly Márie Parnell created in collaboration with David, her brother. An intimate work, it considers the relationship between empathy and the politics of care.

It centralises David’s writings and their mother’s reflections on having to prove her son’s humanity. Moving between the contrasts of lived experience and bureaucratic violence, the film examines the complexities of bodily autonomy within an ableist paradigm.

David Parnell is a non-verbal and non-mobile person who uses eye tracking technology to communicate tracking the movement of his retinas to become the mouse on a computer screen. In this way, his eyes are his voice, and he uses this technology to write poetry.

In 2024 David exhibited at Project Arts Centre with Disrupt Disability Arts Festival, as part of the group exhibition ‘Distinct’ curated by Alan James Burns. These recent experiences have led David to explore his own creative career further, and is working towards his first book.

‘I Want To Ask A Question’ is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Roscommon Arts Centre, Disrupt Disability Arts Festival, Roscommon County Council.