Plenty of culture awaits around Ireland …
Daffodil Day
Coinciding with Daffodil Day, artist Monika Crowley is seeking participants who have lived through cancer for a collaborative research project called “Doubt is Beautiful”. As a cancer survivor, Monika explains; “Life after cancer is hard to explain to people who have not been through it. ‘Survivor’ language can make you cringe inwardly or even make plain honesty sound like self pity. It’s refreshing to talk openly with people who get it and won’t be uncomfortable.”
She’s hosting half-day creative workshops reflecting on life after treatment. “All I ask is that you are able to commit to meeting four times between May, June and July at my project space beside the LAB in Dublin 1. There will be two small group meetings, with no more than eight in each group.” Expect relaxed gatherings mixing conversation with creative activities like collage and ink drawing. For further details, email [email protected].
IMMA, Dublin
Fisherwoman, Fisherwoman brings together the work of painter Camille Souter (1929–2023) and contemporary artist Alberta Whittle (b. 1980). Spanning a period of 70 years, these range from painting, collage and watercolour to immersive film, sculptural installation and live performance. “Through the work of Souter and Whittle, we confront the traumas of our time – from the plundering of the earth and the oceans to the terror of war and colonialisation – yet their voices swell with empathy and a careful hope for the future,” says curator Rachael Gilbourne. “It is a real privilege to listen and learn from these artists. They call for curiosity and complexity in the face of monoculture and hype. We hope the exhibition offers the freedom to think deeply, and to imagine strategies of nuance and co-existence.” @immaireland
National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin
The Rolling Stones, Samuel Beckett, Edna O’Brien, Francis Bacon and Andy Warhol are just some of the creatives Irish photographer John Minihan has captured in his long career. Visual Poetry: The Photography of John Minihan gives an insight into key moments in his career working as press photographer for the Daily Mail from the age of 16, as well as his depictions of Skellig Michael and West Cork where he’s lived for 30 years. Curator of Irish Art Post 1900 Sarah McAuliffe explains; “Minihan’s photographs are simultaneously poignant and joyous, prompting viewers to consider the world around them and reflect on their own lives in new ways.” @nationalgalleryofireland
Molesworth Gallery, Dublin
Francis Matthews’ new exhibition EXT/INT at Molesworth Gallery in Dublin 2 focuses on urban architecture. His paintings include details of streets and buildings that might otherwise go unnoticed or be dismissed as unworthy of representation due to a drab appearance. For Matthews, however, these mundane elements are energised by the interplay of light and shadow. A monograph accompanying the show includes an introductory text by Dr Ellen Rowley. @molesworthgallery
Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, Dublin
Lunula features work by renowned artist Lucy Stein, niece to chef Rick Stein. She has collaborated with restaurants in London designing illustrative dining settings, most notably The Dreamery and Goodbye Horses. In her new exhibition, on until May 3, Stein’s paintings draw on feminine iconography from sources including Greek mythology, medieval and ecclesiastical illuminations, as well as folklore. @templebargalleryandstudios
Signal Arts Centre, Bray, Wicklow
Dave Madigan’s Living Room exhibition, running until March 29, features large-scale paintings exploring the relationship between man and nature, the clash and convergence between plants and the built environment. Among the questions Madigan poses via his art is is: what does it mean to “bring nature inside” – do we honour or domesticate it? And when architecture mimics biology, does it celebrate nature or attempt to control it? @signalartscentre
The Model, Sligo
Songs to the Siren is a group exhibition curated by artists Paul Hallahan and Lee Welch, exploring the places where stories blur and meaning starts to unravel. Some of the 20 participating artists include William McKeown, Christy Brown, Genevieve Figgis, Sean Scully and Linda Quinlan. Together their works form a mood rather than a message, described as “a predominantly quiet feeling rather than a declaration.” @modelsligo
National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny
From the Ground Up: The Transformation of Irish Clay brings together 42 contemporary Irish ceramic artists showcasing the diversity and vitality of the medium. According to curator, writer and ceramic scholar John Goode; “Irish ceramics are experiencing a remarkable moment. This exhibition celebrates artists pushing clay into new territories of meaning, form and expression – affirming the global significance of Ireland’s vibrant ceramic community.” This free exhibition runs until July. @ndcgallery
Daróg Wine Bar, Galway
Sacha Hutchinson’s joyful exhibition Flight at Daróg Wine Bar in Galway focuses on her studies of Atlantic seabirds, especially relevant at a time when our coastal birdlife faces increasing pressure. An artist conversation, Le Chéile, will take place on March 23 as part of the exhibition programme. @darogwinebar
Art Evolve, RDS Dublin
Sixty galleries and artists will participate at Art Evolve which returns to Dublin’s RDS from March 27-29. Inclusivity is to the fore, says show organiser Patrick O’Sullivan; “Art Evolve is the ideal opportunity for collectors and the culturally curious to experience some of the best contemporary art currently being created in Ireland, and to get some expert advice and guidance from leading galleries.” Most importantly, art will be available for purchase at a range of price points; the opening night will also feature an interactive Creative Convergence event which will include a DJ set and artist talks. @artevolve.ie
