What’s happening in Dublin’s art world this summer…
“I am Sitting in a Room”, Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, Co Meath
This exhibition takes its name from Alvin Lucier’s 1969 composition “I am Sitting in a Room”, in which the composer narrates a script and continually re-records each sounded recording, until his voice is gradually replaced by the frequencies of the room. The exhibition, curated by Belinda Quirke, features works by Sven Anderson, Chloe Brenan, Karl Burke, Adam Gibney and Theo McNab and delves into the ideas of how we listen, where we listen and what we hear. Two sound performances accompany this exhibition, which is on until August 5. These include the Cork-based experimental group Quiet Music Ensemble (led by composer and performer John Godfrey). There are also several accompanying events such as a “Soundscape” teen and adult workshop on July 16 (from 1pm-4pm), “A Playful Invitation” on July 21 (a music workshop for adults and children) and regular gallery tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For a full programme visit www.solsticeartscentre.ie.
Brian Eno’s latest work and Marina Abramovic’s The Hero, Living Canvas Dublin
The renowned musician, producer, and visual artist, Brian Eno’s new work “Face to Face” is now on screen at Living Canvas, Wilton Park, Dublin until September. Eno used specially developed software for this installation which generates a chain of human faces, creating “people who have never actually existed, intermediate humans.”
Look out, too, for “The Hero” by Marina Abramovi? which appears at 8.22pm Mondays to Thursdays at Living Canvas (pictured top). Set against the backdrop of global instability, rising tensions and climate breakdown, the figure of a woman on a white horse is symbolic; Abramovi? invites a global audience to consider and assume new definitions of heroism. The summer programme at Living Canvas also includes works by Grace Weir, Joy Gerrard, EL Puttnam, Simon Reilly, and Lucy McKenna.
Dutch Drawings: Highlights from the Rijksmuseum, The National Gallery of Ireland
Opening on Saturday July 16, this exhibition brings together 48 works by 31 different artists who worked during the 17th century. The works give insights into life in the Netherlands at that time – from a child taking its first steps, to a captive monkey, studies of plants and family portraits. Coincidentally, the exhibition opens the day after Rembrandt’s birthday, and features a quirky self-portrait of the artist. “Dutch Drawings: highlights from the Rijksmuseum” is on display until November 16 and there is a complementary programme of events – from drawing classes to online talks and creative workshops. Find out more at www.nationalgallery.ie.
Made in Ireland exhibition, Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin
Made In Ireland exhibition produced by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and the creative team of Hilary Morley, Stephen O’Connell and Mary Gallagher, celebrates the vibrancy of Ireland’s studio crafts. The exhibition, which runs until September 4, presents work by over 110 craftspeople from 27 counties, each creating considered objects using skills honed over many years. Exhibitors include textile designers Beth Moran, Anne Kiely and Carmel Creaner, Jerpoint Glass Studio, jewellery designers Inga Reed, Janice Byrne and Garvan Traynor and furniture designers Paul O’Brien, Joshua Gabriel and Mark Hanvey. A full list of exhibitors can be viewed on www.ndcg.ie.
For the Love of the Master, 25 artists fascinated by Piranesi, Dublin Castle
Initially this exhibition was conceived to commemorate the tercentenary of the birth of the Roman artist, etcher, architect and designer Giovanni Battista Piranesi in 2020, but was delayed by the pandemic. The exhibition has just opened at the Dublin Castle Coach House Gallery and the Casino Marino, Dublin. Alongside Piranesi’s folio Antichità Romane capturing Rome’s antiquities, the exhibition also presents the works of 25 contemporary artists in a range of mediums – ceramics, glass, prints, drawings, and photographs. Each work is a unique response, whether humorous or thought-provoking, to the lasting influence Piranesi has had on the artist some three centuries later.
What is his significance for Ireland? James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont (1728–1799), was fascinated by Piranesi and met him during his Grand Tour travels in Italy. Though the artist and patron fell out (in spectacular fashion) their brief relationship resulted in the building of the Casino at Marino, one of the most beautiful neoclassical architectural gems of Europe. It’s a great backdrop for the contemporary artworks. The exhibitions at both locations are on until September 18.
