Sculpture in Context – a must see event on the Dublin art calendar.
Set up in 1985 by sculptors who wanted to create exhibition space outside the normal white-cube gallery, Sculpture in Context now sees the grounds, ponds and glasshouses of the Botanic Gardens transformed each September into the biggest and most prestigious outdoor exhibition in Ireland.
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Sticky Bog Sundew – Gwyn Grace Vessels (of Remembrance) – Alison Lowry
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This year over 150 artists from Ireland and abroad are exhibiting their work.
Application is open to everyone and the successful applicants are selected by a panel of judges which changes annually. Thanks to this very democratic selection process there is always a great variety of entrants ranging from students to established artists and together working in almost every medium imaginable.
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| The packed opening night reception |
We know that we’re ever so slightly biased here at GSoI but as in this case the figures speak for themselves – Irish glass artists really held their own in the Gardens this year.
There were 12 notable glass pieces amongst the collection from artists;
Karen Donnellan
Naomi Draper
Gwyn Grace
Jesse Gunther,
Eve Kelly
Paivikki Kolehmainen (Finland)
Alison Lowry
Charlene McFarland
Meadhbh McIlgorm
Kira Myer
Sadhbh Mowlds
Mags O’Dea.
Further more, 2 out of the 3 Sculpture in Context Awards for large outdoor works of distinction in any medium were awarded to NCAD glass students: Jesse Gunther for his piece ‘Desert Ophidians’ (on view in the cactus house) and Mags O’Dea for her installation ‘Tree Dressings’ (a site-specific glass installation on a particularly weathered tree). Both Mags and Jesse received €500 each – well done guys!
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| ‘Tree Dressings’ – Mags O’Dea |
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| The delighted Mags O’Dea with her prize |
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Both pieces were a big hit with the guests on opening night – watch this space – one of them could well be winning the prize for the most popular sculpture at the end of the exhibition in October.
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| ‘Desert Ophidians’ – Jesse Gunther |
The exhibition runs from September 5th – October 18th. Full programme of artists available in the visitor centre.
Garden opening hours:
Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am – 6pm
Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am – 6pm
Admission Free, Car Park €2
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| Karren Donnellan – Present Moment Reminder |
A visit to this exhibition is a lovely day out for all the family and a chance to see some very talented artists work outside the often intimidating setting of a gallery exhibit.
So be sure to take a very cultured and colourful stroll through the Botanic Gardens before October 18th.
We promise you won’t be disappointed.
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| Artists Michelle McDermott, Gwyn Grace, Mags O’Dea and Tara Butler-Frey the enjoying opening night celebrations |
Written by: Meadhbh McIlgorm
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