From new exhibitions and an immersive breakfast experience to a must-visit closing down sale, find visual inspiration this week …
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Thin Place Art, National Botanic Gardens, Dublin 9 (until February 23)
This exhibition showcases the work of artist Bob Spears. The term “thin place” refers to the boundary between the physical and transcendental worlds. Peatlands, or bogs, are often considered to possess this special characteristic; bridging the gap between the material and the numinous. Spears’ art is informed by his frequent wanderings through various moors and bogs. Each painting includes a sample from the specific bog it is named after, creating a connection between the artwork and landscape. By incorporating materials from bogs across Ireland, as well as commercial paints and discarded household fabrics, his work offers a fresh perspective on the land that is often overlooked. @heritageirelandopw / www.heritageireland.ie
Out of Time, The Library Project, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (until February 26)
Crip time is a form of time travel explored in this new exhibition, curated by Áine O’Hara by artists such as Aisling Conroy, An Gee Chan, Caoimhe Dalton, Jamila Prowse, Paul Roy, Finnegan Shannon and Catherine Togher-Ward. They explore the theme in a variety of work from printing and painting to video and installation. There’s also an interesting programme of events alongside the exhibition, from sound baths and meditations to an artist talk on February 25. @blackchurchprint / www.blackchurchprint.ie
Brian Mc Donagh, The Doorway Gallery, Dublin 2 (until March 1)
The work of Sligo-based artist Brian McDonagh can be described as lyrical, poetic, symbolic, and atmospheric, with oblique philosophical and political references, and a strong sense of place. His new exhibition demonstrates his over-arching love of paint and painting. He uses subtle colours and works with paint, which he grinds himself using only pigment, cold-pressed linseed oil and natural bees wax. Jack B. Yeats is clearly an influence, while other Irish painters such as Sean McSweeney, Gerard Dillon and Nora McGuinness are also a reference. @thedoorwaygallery / www.thedoorwaygallery.com
Breaking the Patterns, Farmleigh, Dublin 1 (until March 2)
This exhibition features a group of emerging artists including Grace Hickey, Jack Lynch, Anya Payán and Rhys Wallace, who have participated in a two-year programme designed to foster and cultivate creativity through European partnerships. The artists have been able to develop their artistic practice and expand their horizons through immersion in new cultures, places, and experiences such as at Seville and Lisbon. Curator Róisín Foley says, “Being immersed in a new place or programme fills you with curiosity and instigates a process of deep reflection as you bring your own experiences with you.” @heritageirelandopw / www.heritageireland.ie
Closing Down Sale at The Doorway Gallery, South Frederick Street (until March 29)
The Doorway Gallery’s premises on South Frederick Street just launched its closing down sale of artworks before it moves to the iconic Irish Times Building and Goatstown Cottages (it’s also in Stillorgan Shopping Centre). This is your chance to snap up works by artists such as Helen Acklam, Ken Browne, Lucy Doyle, Trudy Good and Becky Cole (pictured) among others.
All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun, Dublin Castle (until May 11)
This must-see exhibition, curated by artists Paul Callahan and Lee Welch, is inspired by the layers of contrast found in the works of Flann O’Brien. It brings together a line-up of Irish and international artists working across painting, sculpture and video. They explore how artistic dualities coexist, interact, and ultimately rely on one another. The exhibition takes its title from an unreleased song by the late Jeff Buckley and Elizabeth Fraser, All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun, symbolising growth, transformation, and interconnectedness. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a self-portrait by the renowned poet, novelist, and artist Christy Brown, which has never been publicly displayed. The painting, thought to be lost, recently came to light and is depicted in a well-known photograph of Brown at work in his studio. This deeply personal glimpse into Brown’s life and practice offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with Ireland’s cultural heritage. @heritageirelandopw / www.heritageireland.ie
Ludovico Mazzolino: The Crossing of the Red Sea, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin 2 (until July 6)
Mazzolino’s Renaissance masterpiece, The Crossing of the Red Sea, has just been unveiled following an extensive research and conservation project. It is one of only three surviving large-scale works by the artist, alongside The Massacre of the Innocents (Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome) and The Dispute in the Temple (Gemäldegalerie, Berlin). Recognised as a rare masterpiece, it was acquired by the National Gallery of Ireland in 1914, but has remained out of public view for many years due to its fragile condition. The exhibition features technical imaging, including infrared reflectography, which reveals fascinating details of Mazzolino’s expressive underdrawings. Also on display in the Sir Hugh Lane Room are pigments and materials used by Mazzolino, including rare and expensive materials such as lapis lazuli and shell gold. There’s also a short film offering further insights into the artist’s approach and the conservation process. @nationalgalleryofireland / www.nationalgallery.ie
Early Birds Diner, Grafton Street, Dublin 2
If you like the work of American artist Edward Hopper – specifically Nighthawks, which is renowned for its nighttime diner scene – then you’ll want to try Dublin’s first immersive breakfast experience from February 27 to March 1. This collaboration between chef Erica Drum and Alpro will allow guests to feel as if they’ve stepped into the painting, tapping into mid-20th century American nostalgia. There’s even a milk float, too! Reservations are are from 8.30am to 2.30pm via Eventbrite. By the way, essential reading for fans of Edward Hopper is Christine Dwyer’s excellent novel based on his life, The Narrow Land. @alpro @ericadrumie
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