What’s On?

If you’re looking for an art gallery trail of the best exhibitions on at the moment in Dublin, look no further.

1. Origin gallery currently have a group exhibition on titled “Croi”. Artists involved include Jane Seymour, Vivienne Bogan, Nicola Henley and Kathryna Cuschieri. This is yet again another knock out show by Origin which hosts a wide range of art including paintings, ceramics and even a glass dress with bee casts. This dress “The Dress of Self Resilience” created by Cuschieri is incredible. Consisting of wire and leaf copper, brass, fused glass, beads, feathers and gold mica, the detail and decoration on the dress is impeccable. Without a doubt this has to be seen in person to admire its detail. To own this beauty it would only set you back €22,000 – considered the materials used to bring this masterpiece to life, is really not at all bad. I think it would strive most in an old Georgian house, contemporary art gallery or even a majestic hotel lobby. The dress also holds a lovely story with it as it was cast from Cushieri’s 18 year old daughter’s torso just before she moved out of their family home, hence the title of the piece.

This is not the only thing to see at this exhibition as it hosts some beautiful ceramic sculptures as well as colourful paintings full of movement and shapes. “Croi” runs until October 18^th so get in now to see these incredible works of contemporary art.

2. Just around the corner is the RHA Gallery which has currently three exhibitions on by Paul Gregg, Maria McKinney and Kevin Miller. The best thing about the exhibitions is the fact that they are all different and appeal to all audiences. Gregg focuses on installation pieces, McKinney on photograph and sculptures and Miller on computers and painting. The exhibition is completely diverse and anybody could easily spend over an hour here admiring the creations. Seeing as there are so many different features, it is best to come and explore for yourself to see what is on show here. Gregg’s “Inductive Probability” and McKinney’s “Sire” will be on view until October 23rd. Miller’s “Something hero something” opens tonight until November 6th.

Paul Gregg

Maria McKinney

Kevin Miller

 3. Only a 13 minute skip down the road leads you to The Kerlin Gallery who are currently hosting an exhibition by Northern Irish artist Willie Doherty. “Loose Ends” is comprised of a two- screen video installation as well as two photographs. Doherty focuses on two locations associated with the 1916 Rising. The videos are encapsulating as Doherty’s voice is so soothing that you could sit there for the whole day just listening and watching. The areas examined shown are not the typical areas in which people would admire for example concrete on the walls or signs that you see on the side of the street. However, this makes it all the more enticing as he shows us beauty in the simplest parts of Moore Street and Donegal’s Gola Island. The photographs outside of the installation are equally as beautiful showing majestic landscapes of these two locations. The only problem with the exhibition was that there was simply not enough. I would have loved more photographs as I felt lost after watching the video’s, wanting more. This incredible exhibition is on until October 19^th.

4. Literally a three minute walk around the corner and there is Molesworth Gallery. Although not very welcoming, the paintings in this exhibition by Thomas Brezing are absolutely stunning. “Jonah and the whale” is already on its extension dates so you need to be quick to see this outstanding exhibition. The colours and movement showcased in each and every painting is breathtaking. The texture of these images popping out at the viewers really drags you in. Informed by recent events in Syria and Iraq, Brezing’s exhibition responds to the world around him. The paintings come in a variety of different sizes, colours and prices which quite literally means that they can appeal to all. It is only when you see these works up close that you notice figures in the background or other elements which you previously miss from standing afar. This in its own way is like a miniature story which is thoroughly enjoyable.

5. Originally not on my list, I stumbled upon Duke Street Gallery a minute down the road from the Molesworth Gallery. It was one of the best things I did that day. Although this gallery does not host exhibitions per say, it hosts paintings from floor to ceiling and each one is amazing.

Clare Hartigan’s paintings are especially outstanding for their vivid sense of movement. Her technique of bringing her works to life is beautiful and the end result is quite captivating. If anybody is looking to purchase any piece of art this place is definitely the place to go. It has something for everybody as it showcases paintings with themes of: family, animals, landscapes, home, and friendship to name only a few. The prices also completely vary from €80 to hundreds.

Pieces by Clare Hartigan.

 6. Last and probably least, Project Arts Centre is exhibiting “Brute Clues”. This is a joint installation piece by Tom Watt, Tanad Williams and Andreas Kindler von Knobloch. Definitely a more simplistic approach to the other art seen throughout the day, Brute Clues is interactive. It has an entrance under the piece which allows you to travel “underground” and pop out the other side- great for those on a day out to Dublin with kids. Viewers are able to walk and climb over their structure and admire the body of water to the lift side. It is a collaborative piece focusing on architecture. That is quite literally the whole exhibition but if this is the type of art you are interested in then see it in the Project Arts Centre until October 29^th.

The best thing about each and every one of these exhibitions is that they are all free!