As a refuge from mounting festive stress or as a source of gift inspiration, take time to check out these art initiatives and exhibitions …
A Community of Hope: Artists for Dublin Simon, Gormley’s Fine Art
Over 70 artworks by renowned Irish artists will go on sale at Gormley’s Fine Art from November 28 to December 10, with all funds raised going directly towards Dublin Simon’s life-changing services for the 10,000 people relying on emergency accommodation in Dublin. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a meaningful piece, this auction offers a chance to own a work by your favourite artist while helping those in need. Participating artists include Carol Hodder, Bridgit Flinn, Stephanie Hess, John O’Donnell, Guggi, Imelda May, The Corrs, Tommy Tiernan, Chupi Sweetman, Helen Steel, Margo Banks, Gerard Byrne, Tom Climent and John Noel Smith who have have all donated pieces to the auction, which was initiated by artist John O’Donnell. The inaugural event in 2023 garnered overwhelming support, with over €40,000 raised. This year, with even more people depending on Dublin Simon’s services, the organisation hopes to build on that success. www.gormleys.ie
Angels of Tree Collective, Victoria Mary Clarke, City Assembly House, Dublin 2
There’s still time to see Victoria Mary Clarke’s first art exhibition at the City Assembly House on South William Street, Dublin Better known as a writer, broadcaster, designer and wife of the late Shane MacGowan, Victoria’s exhibition of acrylic and ink works are inspired by her interest in angels. She explains: “These paintings hold immense personal significance for me. They were a positive energy source of strength and comfort during Shane’s illness, and again when he died. The angels are powerful, benevolent beings with distinct personalities and purposes. They are meant to be shared, and I hope by spreading their beneficial vibrations everywhere, they will offer solace and joy to all who encounter them. Shane always really wanted me to have an exhibition of the angels, and I promised him that I would.” www.victoriamaryclarkeangels.com
Christmas Open Studio, The Warehouse, Dublin 24
Artist Kathrine Geoghegan is hosting an open studio and get together at The Warehouse Gallery, Tallaght Business Park, D24 on Saturday, November 30 from 6.30pm to 9pm. Also in attendance will be Nuala Madigan, CEO of the Irish Peatland Preservation Council who will say a few words about the Irish peatlands. Ten per cent of sales on the night will be donated to IPCC to help with the work they do. “Wild habitats are my inspiration with a particular interest in our peatlands,” says Kathrine. www.kathrinegeoghegan.gallery
Winter Exhibition, Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford
Another reason to visit the lovely Mount Congreve Gardens – the opening of its new winter exhibition on Friday, November 29 at its new Art Gallery. This exhibition is part of the ongoing partnership between Mount Congreve Gardens and Artform, celebrating art in the gardens all year long. Invited artists include Paul Hallahan, Hanneke van Ryswyk, Michael Wann, Bernadette Kiely, Zsolt Basti in addition to art selected by guest curator Susan Connolly following an open call in October 2024. Eamon Colman, artist in residence at Mount Congreve Gardens, has also created a series of abstract coloured studies called “Moments” based on the changing seasons in the gardens. As part of the residency outreach program, Eamon engaged with SETU first year fine art students, on their sketching trip to the gardens. The opening on November 29 is from 6pm to 8pm when mulled wine and mince pies will be served to visitors. www.mountcongreve.com
35 Years of Art, Gerard Byrne Studio, Ranelagh, Dublin 6
It’s a busy time for Dublin-based artist Gerard Byrne who is participating in the Artists for Dublin Simon auction and a three man show “The Wild Atlantic Winter” opening at the Greenland Gallery, Dingle on November 30. This month, he is also celebrating 35 years of creating his gorgeous artworks in his signature colourful, plein air style. For the Dublin Simon auction, he donated this painting on Sandymount Strand depicting the Poolbeg Chimneys, a symbol of Dublin. Byrne says, “Together, come rain or shine, they have stood the test of time since ‘78, while the city bent and shifted – the first structure you see when you fly into Dublin and the last as you fly out.” The use of colours is characteristic of a typical Byrne painting, whether portraiture or florals, which will be on display at his studio, 15 Chelmsford Road, Ranelagh, until December 29. www.gerardbyrneartist.com
Gifts of the Mind, Kilcock Art Gallery, Co Kildare
This joint exhibition between Kilcock Art Gallery and Leinster Printmaking Studio explores a diverse array of printmaking techniques and styles. In total, 18 artists are participating including Pamela de Bri, Mary McGrath, Kathrine Smits, Melissa Cherry and Don Braisby. The exhibition opens on November 30 from 3pm to 5pm and continues until December 21. Prices of the unframed prints on display start at €270. www.kilcockartgallery.ie
Zodiac Netsuke: Animals of the Japanese Zodiac, Chester Beatty, Dublin 1
This new exhibition dives into the intricate world of netsuke, traditional Japanese miniature sculptures, which blends functionality with exquisite craftsmanship. The netsuke in Chester Beatty’s collection date from the 18th and 19th centuries and depict the twelve zodiac animals, celebrated in Japan during New Year. These beautifully carved pieces offer insights into the animals’ symbolic meanings and their place in Japanese culture after they were adopted by them from the Chinese. The exhibition also creates a unique connection by exploring parallels between Japanese zodiac animals and Irish folklore and natural sciences. For example, in Japan snakes were worshiped and associated with Fugen Bosatsu, the Buddhist deity who leads people toward enlightenment. In Irish folklore, snakes obviously carry a very different cultural weight, featuring in the story of Saint Patrick. The exhibition explores how these two distinct cultures prescribed meaning to the natural world. www.chesterbeatty.ie
Photography exhibition, IMMA, Dublin 1
An exhibition from the exceptional photography collection donated to IMMA by US collector Dr David Kronn is currently on display at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, with over 130 diverse works to explore. The donation contains examples of many photographic forms and media, from 19th century daguerrotypes and albumen prints, the microphotography of Karl Blossfeldt from the 1920s or pin-hole camera images by Adam Fuss from the 1980s. There are also abstracted landscapes and seascapes, portraits of artists such as August Sander’s image of Heinrich Hoerle at work in 1931 and of Louise Bourgeois by Annie Leibovitz from 1997, in addition to numerous iconic works like Herb Ritts’s image of Madonna from 1986. Irish artists showing as part of this exhibition include Alice Maher, Richard Mosse and Ameila Stein, and international photographers such as Harry Callahan who made work in Ireland in the 1970s. www.imma.ie
The AIB Young Portrait Prize, National Gallery of Ireland
Twenty young artists aged three to 18-years-old have been shortlisted for the AIB Young Portrait Prize. These shortlisted works are on display in The Shaw Room, National Gallery of Ireland until March 9, 2025. The winner and runners-up will be announced this week by Dr Caroline Campbell, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland and Colin Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of AIB. Take a look at these vibrant portraits and check out the gift shop for some arty stocking filler ideas. www.nationalgallery.ie
Artists’ Fundraiser for Médicins Sans Frontières in aid of Palestine and Lebanon
Seven artworks donated by Clodagh Emoe, Brian Fay, Fergus Feehily, Jesse Jones, Atsushi Kaga, Aileen Murphy and Kathy Tynan are part of a raffle to raise funds to support those affected by the war in Palestine. Tickets are available online for €10 and the raffle is taking place until December 19. The artists write, “World events can supersede us so quickly. The terrible crises that are happening now demand us to stop and reflect on what we can do, to support the connections we have in common, to remind ourselves of our basic humanity and to reflect on the vital role of empathy. Art can help us with this process and as artists we stand for peace, solidarity and equality.” The draw will take place on 19 December and prizes will be allocated alphabetically as names are drawn.
Arcadia, Paul Winstanley, Kerlin Gallery
A continuation of Paul Winstanley’s last “Veil” series, this new exhibition opening at Kerlin Gallery on November 28 takes its inspiration from 19th-century paintings of idyllic mountainous landscapes – the idea of “something ancient being revisited.” Winstanley revisits the genre from a contemporary perspective by stripping back details of the source details and prints using a process of “wax resist” before recreating the paintings. This allows the works to become more atmospheric and at times spiritual. The exhibition continues until January 18. www.kerlingallery.ie
Colourful Whispers, Carol Kelly, Daróg Wine Bar, Galway
Located in Galway’s Westend, Daróg Wine Bar serves organic and biodynamic wines and has a Gallery Wall exhibition space. This month sees a new exhibition by Carol Kelly who is known for her contemporary, abstract style in vibrant hues and dynamic brushstrokes. It will be on display until January 2025 and all pieces are available to purchase. www.darogwinebar.com
Plus: don’t miss the chance to see six Harry Clarke stained-glass panels – three from the National Museum and three from Crawford Art Gallery – which will be at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, from December 5. www.museum.ie
