The Glass Society of Ireland presents Peace Bowls, an exhibition that stands as a statement in support of those affected by conflict, advocating for peace among people of all faiths and ethnicities. Join us in recognising the shared humanity that transcends borders and differences.
The exhibition will take place from 11th to 20th of December at City Assembly House, on South William Street, Dublin.
20% of all sales will be donated to Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders.
The Glass Society of Ireland presents an exhibition of Peace Bowls by selected members at the Irish Georgian Society, City Assembly House, South Williams Street, Dublin 2.
As conflict rages in Gaza and Ukraine, with innocent lives lost daily, the Society aims to promote peace and solidarity. Through these unique glass bowls, members reflect on the devastating human cost of war, emphasising the need for unity and compassion. This exhibition stands as a powerful statement in support of those affected by conflict, advocating for peace among people of all faiths and ethnicities. Join us in recognizing the shared humanity that transcends borders and differences.
25 artists have been selected to participate from an open call to GSoI members.
The final selection was supported by four guest jurors;
Guggi: Renowned Irish artist whose signature motif is bowls and vessels
Róisín Murphy: Architect, artist, journalist, TV and radio presenter
Angie Gough: CEO and Co-founder of Helping Irish Hosts
Fred Curtis: Glass sculptor and designer specialising in mouth blown hand cut crystal
We are privileged that the exhibition will be opened on Thursday 12th December 2024 6pm by Irish academic, peace activist and human rights defender, Monica McWilliams.
A groundbreaking leader and campaigner for peace in Northern Ireland, Monica was a signatory of the Good Friday Agreement on behalf of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, which she co-founded. She served in Northern Ireland’s first Legislative Assembly and as Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. She is a former chair of the governing board of the international NGO, Interpeace, and has worked with women in conflict societies including in the Middle East and South Africa.
Exhibition open to the public: 12th – 20th December 2024
Opening hours – Mon – Sat – 10am – 5pm (plus Sunday 15th Dec 12pm – 5pm)
20% of sales from the exhibition will be donated to Medicines Sans Frontiers in order for them to continue their important work of helping the women, children and men of Gaza.
Dr. Chantelle Ní Chróinín, recently returned from Palestine, will offer some words on behalf of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders
Project Curator and outgoing chair of GSoI, Róisín de Buitléar, says;
‘Bowls as food vessels and containers are some of the earliest records of human survival in Ireland. They were commonly used as receptacles with both inhumed and cremated remains as burial vessels, in wood Iron and bronze. Glass, silver and gold vessels became symbols of power and glory. Examples such as the 8th century Ardagh and Derrynaflan Chalices and later glittering cut glass bowls from the Dublin, Cork and Waterford factories which graced tables and temples of the rich and powerful, can be seen in the National museum of Ireland.
The bowls in this exhibition carry symbolic power and are expressions of individual responses to the challenge of creating a bowl of peace in contemporary Ireland. It is both intriguing and surprising how many different expressions of glass are used by the various artists. It shows the versatility of the material, which can capture ephemeral echoes of tranquillity while containing the tension of its natural characteristic. There is much to learn and contemplate by visiting this show.’
List of Participating Artists
Alison Byrne, Alison Mac Cormaic, Angela Brady, Aoife Soden, Clare Bowe, Deirdre Buckley Cairns, Derek Irwin, Donna Coogan, Eva Kelly, Fiona Byrne, Irene McBride, Jennifer Hackett, Jenny Mulligan, Kathryna Cuschieri, Kristina, Ligačová, Lynn O’Donovan, Madeleine Hellier, Marja Huhta, Michael Ray, Mide Quinlan Reddin, Natasha Duddy, Róisín de Buitléar, Sara Lynch, Suzanne O’Sullivan, Trish Goodbody.
The main objective of this exhibition is for the Glass Society Of Ireland to make a public call for Peace, using glass as a way of visualising this objective in 3 dimensions. Using the characteristics of the material unique expressions of this theme are shown in the creation of original artworks that question and present ideas of Peace as vessel forms.
The exhibition of Peace Bowls highlights the versatility and resilience of this incredible material and the variety of skills and interpretations of the theme by GSOI members.
A digital catalogue of this exhibition will be available online at GSoI website.
