Put these gorgeous new exhibitions in your diary …
Multitudes, Belfast Stories Building, Belfast
9ft in Common is a research project exploring the untapped potential of Belfast’s urban alleyways. As part of Belfast 2024 Festival, 9ft in Common has commissioned 202 ceramic hag stones from Red Earth Designs (run by twin sisters and ceramicists, Claire and Karen Gibson) to represent Belfast’s 202kms’ mapped network of alleyways, and the people and stories that populate them. The hag stones are on display in the Belfast Stories Building and afterwards will be hidden throughout alleyways across Belfast, encouraging people to get out and explore these spaces, with the opportunity to find and keep one of the hidden ceramic treasures. @9ftincommon
Neal Greig, Gormleys, Dublin 2
Known for his evocative use of colour and expressive brushstrokes, this new exhibition from Neal Greig captures the contrast and beauty of Irish and French landscapes. The exhibition was inspired by his recent residences at the Arts Eanna Arts Centre in Inis Oirr and the John Richardshon residency along the River Butonne in France. Greig immerses himself in the landscape and paints en plein air. The exhibition runs until October 29. www.gormleys.com
Retrospective Space, Maeve McCarthy, Molesworth Gallery, Dublin 2
Opening from October 10, this elegiac and meditative exhibition reflects McCarthy’s work on the relationship between place, memory, identity and what it means to call somewhere home. A sense of a human presence just beyond the edge of the canvas is also a common thread, along with the artist’s ongoing exploration of the modulations of light and dark on the painted surface. Back in Dublin after several years living in France, McCarthy has turned her gaze on her environs in East Wall; a reclaimed part of the city that acts as a metaphor for reclaiming a sense of the present from our fractured consciousness in the digital age. The work has an existential quality and a profound connection with the surroundings where it is made. www.molesworthgallery.com
On The Way Home, Fergus Lyons, Kilcock Gallery, Co Kildare
Open from October 12, Fergus Lyons explains the inspiration behind his exhibition: “The paintings in this exhibition derive their titles from a semi-ballad called Up In Finnity Road. From the moment of birth, all beings become travellers on their own road through life and some, like me, find themselves wondering about the significance of the journey and how best to make the most of it. I proceed my investigations on a hybrid of songwriting and painting.” www.kilcockartgallery.ie
Lucy Doyle, The Doorway Gallery, Dublin 2
The popular contemporary, colourist artist Lucy Doyle is known for her unique style of figurative and floral paintings that are immediately identifiable. Her new exhibition of still life, interiors and portrait paintings are at The Doorway Gallery, where Lucy will meet visitors from 12pm-3pm this weekend. Pop in to say hello and admire her decorative canvases full of colour and patterns. www.thedoorwaygallery.com
Beyond Chaos, The Coach House Gallery, Dubhlinn Garden, Dublin Castle
Beyond Chaos is an exhibition by the Textile Journey Collective, curated by Sarah Ross, and divided into two strands. The first showcases the personal practice of each artist, with pieces that convey personal messages, while the second highlights the artists’ outreach with various communities. This includes work from individuals around the globe, as well as projects developed by the Irish Department of Education, Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and Irish expat community in Australia. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience textile art that celebrates diversity and inclusion. The exhibition runs until January 19. www.dublincastle.ie
