“DRAWING IS NOT what one sees, but what one can make others see,” said the French Impressionist painter, Edgar Degas. Certainly, it can be said that there’s no place more eye-opening than an art gallery.
A delightful way to spend a solitary lunchtime or family weekend is in a gallery. In Ireland, we are particularly lucky with the incredible number of excellent art institutions that celebrate and showcase the work of artists of all levels, from the masters of painting to the exciting next generation creating work across a number of mediums.
Whether you’re passionate about painting or perhaps fascinated by sculpture, there’s always something to be inspired by in a gallery. Often, artworks can convey a myriad of different things to the people observing them, and therefore ignite interesting conversations with friends or spark a new interest to explore.
This April, there are several brilliant exhibitions that are both celebrating the incredible careers of esteemed artists and shows providing a platform for emerging talents. Furthermore, many of Ireland’s galleries are accessible to all with the majority of them offering free admission to their exhibitions.
We’ve curated 4 art exhibitions taking place this April in some of the country’s finest art galleries.
What: Multimedia artist Patricia Hurl is celebrated in an extensive retrospective exhibition in Dublin’s Irish Museum of Modern Art. In a career spanning 4 decades, the award-winning Dublin-born artist has created an extraordinary body of work that often explores and examines the impact of loneliness, domestic settings and women’s various roles and experiences in typically male-dominated spaces. Hurl’s artwork is striking in both their attractive palettes and, crucially, the way in which she expressively conveys the figures in her pieces. With over 70 works in this exhibition, Patricia Hurl: Irish Gothic is a must-see.
Where: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 FW31
When: Patricia Hurl: Irish Gothic runs until May 21, 2023.
More Info: Admission to this exhibition is free, although you are required to book a ticket.
What: In the heart of Cork, The Crawford Art Gallery has been central to the city’s cultural heritage. Its stunning premises was built in 1724 and was initially the base for Cork’s Custom House. By the 1830s, it housed the Royal Cork Institute which would go on to found the School of Design by the middle of the 19th century. It would be another 30 years until the Crawford family, known brewers and landlords in the county, would become involved in the space and thus cultivate it into the gallery. This extraordinary history is shared in Site of Change: Evolution of a Building. This exhibition features work that dates back to c.1750 up to 2011, each piece demonstrates how the institution has evolved over the centuries and enriched the arts community in Cork and beyond.
Where: Emmett Pl, City Centre, Cork
When: Site of Change: Evolution of a Building runs until November 12, 2023
More Info: Free Admission
What: Towards the end of 2022, the Ulster Museum acquired 6 intricately detailed etchings from the renowned master painter, printmaker and draughtsman, Rembrandt. A Unique Silence showcases the Dutch artist’s deft hand in conveying great drama and emotion in his art, but not in the traditional sense that many associates with his work. The etchings featured in this exhibition were created between 1631 and 1654 and depict both biblical and domestic scenes in works such as ‘The Descent From the Cross by Torchlight’ and ‘The Artist’s Mother.’ Along with Rembrandt’s etchings, A Unique Silence showcases some of the Ulster Museum’s other items in their print collection.
Where: Botanic Gardens, Belfast BT9 5AB
When: A Unique Silence runs until April 16, 2023
More Info: Free Admission
What: The Prix Pictet is regarded as one of the leading awards in photography, established in 2008, which focuses on themes grounded by sustainability and the environment. The ninth cycle of the award makes its journey to Photo Museum Ireland, situated in Dublin’s Meeting House Square nestled in Temple Bar, to showcase the work of the 12 shortlisted photographers (selected from around the world) whose images are inspired by this year’s theme, “Fire.” The shortlisted photographers have chosen to respond to this theme in various mediums from portraiture, landscapes and collage.
Where: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
When: Prix Pictet: Fire runs until April 29, 2023
More Info: Free Admission
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